Equibase to be official timer at Laurel, Pimlico
Racing at Laurel Park. Photo by The Racing Biz.
From an Equibase release
Equibase Company has installed a global positioning satellite (GPS) system at Woodbine Racetrack, Golden Gate Fields, Laurel Park and Pimlico, and has been named the official timer at these tracks, it was announced today. Equibase’s GPS technology partner, Total Performance Data, is based in the United Kingdom and has more than a dozen tracking systems deployed there.
“Since the earliest days of the company, Equibase has sought a viable system of collecting data through automated tracking,” said Jason Wilson, president and chief operating officer for Equibase. “We are excited to be making substantial progress in this area and pleased to have partnered with both Woodbine and The Stronach Group.”
“We have been using GPS timing since the beginning of July and have been pleased with not only its performance but the flexibility it offers,” said Jonathan Zammit, vice president of Thoroughbred Racing Operations for Woodbine. “We are also keen to explore future capabilities of the system.”
The benefits of GPS, in addition to timing, include the ability to provide comprehensive data for each runner during the entire running of the race, which can be used to drive on-screen graphics as well as positions and margins for charts. In addition, GPS has great promise to track workouts, which would add race-like accuracy to those morning preps.
Plans call for Equibase to expand the number of installations over the next 12 months.
Equibase Company is a partnership between subsidiaries of The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America and serves as the Thoroughbred industry’s official database. Through its website and mobile applications, Equibase offers a comprehensive array of free statistical information as well as premium handicapping products and reports in support of the North American Thoroughbred racing industry.