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Following extensive trials earlier this year, RaceTech is delighted to announce its reverse angle photofinish camera, in use at Royal Ascot 2019, has been given official authorisation by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
Working with the BHA and its RCA stakeholders, RaceTech has been developing the technology to supplement the existing photofinish cameras. The new reverse angle pictures capture a clearer image of the horses from the nearside and will be used in conjunction with the mirror image.
Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course at Ascot Racecourse, said: "We have been keen to use this technology at Ascot and have assisted RaceTech in developing it over the past few months.
"We are delighted it has been fully approved and officially launched during Royal Ascot this week. It is particularly useful on a wider track, with bigger fields and when the horses come up the stand side."
Winning Line Technology has been trialled across several tracks including at the Cheltenham Festival and at earlier Ascot fixtures.
Nick Bostock, Judging Team Principal at the BHA, commented: "It really does make a difference on the wider tracks when the horses come up the nearside, giving a far clearer image. I have used it on numerous occasions in trials and found it very helpful."
The reverse angle images are posted on the BHA website following each race as part of the official photofinish along with the standard mirror image.
John Bozza, CEO at RaceTech, said: "RaceTech is delighted to have worked with the BHA and our racecourse stakeholders to develop this new informative technology, supporting our vision to be the technical service provider of choice for UK racing.
"It is especially pleasing to have been given official approval during Royal Ascot."
The BHA is continuing to collaborate with the RCA on how a phased introduction of this technology can progress across the racecourse network.