Digital timing system set to begin at Caymanas Park on Saturday
The long-awaited digital timing system will officially come into effect at Caymanas Park on 1000 Guineas Day, Saturday. Caymanas Park will become the first racetrack in the English-speaking Caribbean to utilise digital timing.
“We have been relying on manual timing both for exercise and for the live production of racing for years. We have now partnered with overseas companies Gmax and TDP, and it is the first implementation in the English-speaking Caribbean,” said Chris Wills, vice-president of operations at Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL).
The Gmax and TPD racing systems are widely deployed thoroughbred race tracking systems, providing data used by regulators, broadcasters, and racing professionals around the world. The technology provides products and services to monitor the performances and welfare of horses.
Wills noted that they are very excited about this new system because it will enhance their patrons’ experience and give the punters more betting options as it will provide more empirical data on the horses.
“We will now affix each horse with a GPS transponder, and it will give us access to real-time information on the horses. The stride data and the point of call will now be digital, and we will have in-time timing,” Wills said. “We are not making anybody redundant at all. We are keeping all the clockers but will be using them as a backup. We will be relying on digital time now,” he added.
“On screen, the patrons will be treated to an immersive graphical experience where they will be able to track the horses in real-time.”
Wills also shared that the implementation of the digital timing system at Caymanas Park will now bring local racing in line with other racetracks in the United States.
“In terms of international standards, we are now definitely on par with Gulfstream Park and all the racetracks in New York and places around the world. They are a little bit ahead of us in terms of digital time, so we have taken the step to improve the product to ensure that we keep up with international standards.”
