How a new race tracking system will change the viewer's experience.
Tuesday, 23 August, 2022 20:45
Testing of new tracking system on 20th of August at Sapporo.
Horse racing took a step towards the future as the Japanese Racing Association conducted a test of a new "Racehorse Tracking System" at Sapporo Racecourse on August 20th and 21st.
The new system involves GPS sensors attached to the number cloths of each horse, with the race position relayed to the audience in real time. This same technology is used successfully in other countries, such as North America.
The position of each horse is displayed in bright animations on the main racecourse screen located in the centre of the track. On the 20th of August, the tracking system presented the 2D locations of horses, but it was difficult to differentiate between runners. However, on the following day, the system tracked in a 3D animation format, illustrating the data in a far clearer and more easily distinguishable presentation of information.
Opinions on this new system were divided, but feedback on the internet suggested the new system is a welcome addition, especially when 3D animated tracking is displayed.
The most obvious benefit of using this new system is the ability for racing fans to easily track individual horses. For example, in the Niigata 1000m straight sprint races, which start from the farthest point from the racecourse cameras, it is almost impossible for viewers to reliably track their desired horses. The implementation of this new system will revolutionize the way fans can follow each horse, providing a more in-depth view and creating an overall better racing experience.
Despite the benefits of the new system, some members of the public shared grievances such as "It looks like a video game" and "Too much information on the screen."
The JRA is planning to test the tracking system once again on September 3rd and 4th. The official rollout of this system is scheduled for spring 2023. There is a further possibility that in the future, the system may measure data such as sectional times and pace in km/h. If this becomes a reality, it will provide another source of data for fans to interpret and add a new perspective for punters.
The new system involves GPS sensors attached to the number cloths of each horse, with the race position relayed to the audience in real time. This same technology is used successfully in other countries, such as North America.
The position of each horse is displayed in bright animations on the main racecourse screen located in the centre of the track. On the 20th of August, the tracking system presented the 2D locations of horses, but it was difficult to differentiate between runners. However, on the following day, the system tracked in a 3D animation format, illustrating the data in a far clearer and more easily distinguishable presentation of information.
Opinions on this new system were divided, but feedback on the internet suggested the new system is a welcome addition, especially when 3D animated tracking is displayed.
The most obvious benefit of using this new system is the ability for racing fans to easily track individual horses. For example, in the Niigata 1000m straight sprint races, which start from the farthest point from the racecourse cameras, it is almost impossible for viewers to reliably track their desired horses. The implementation of this new system will revolutionize the way fans can follow each horse, providing a more in-depth view and creating an overall better racing experience.
Despite the benefits of the new system, some members of the public shared grievances such as "It looks like a video game" and "Too much information on the screen."
The JRA is planning to test the tracking system once again on September 3rd and 4th. The official rollout of this system is scheduled for spring 2023. There is a further possibility that in the future, the system may measure data such as sectional times and pace in km/h. If this becomes a reality, it will provide another source of data for fans to interpret and add a new perspective for punters.
Article Creds:Daily Sports