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Instant Full Field Running Order’ The First of Many Innovations Showcased.
(August 17, 2005) The recently opened harness racing meet at New Jersey’s Freehold Raceway features the worldwide pari-mutuel debut of the Autochart Positioning System™ (APS), based on a new technology that instantly identifies the speed and relative position of every horse in a race.
The Autochart difference can already be seen on television screens throughout the North American simulcast network in addition to on-track. Freehold’s televised signal now features a complete running order on the lower portion of the screen displaying all the competitors at regularly changing intervals. The full field running order also displays each runner’s distance from the leader and the runner’s odds. Autochart is also providing race timing (using the APS) and high-resolution photo-finish services at Freehold.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the results so far,” commented Freehold general manager Don Codey. “The fans and horsemen think it’s great. There’s no question we’re seeing the future of racing, and Freehold is proud to be Autochart’s first installation.”
The instant positioning capability – both front-to-back and side-to-side (how far each horse is racing from the inside rail) – is just one element of a package of innovations Autochart will be introducing at Freehold and other race tracks in the months and years to come. Autochart is set to begin delivering next-generation chart information in real-time as the horses pass points of call; unique post-race data for immediate display including fastest quarters by individual performers; and enhanced handicapping elements with new insights into horse performances.
“It’s all made possible by Autochart’s patent-pending credit card-sized electronics attached to a horse’s racing equipment, complemented by very sophisticated software,” Autochart president Fernando Vincenzini explained. “Our APS has proven itself to be extremely accurate, reliable and efficient. Most importantly, it ‘sees’ a race in ways that can give all racing fans, from neophytes to experts, a much better picture of what is going on during the event and when they look at past performance lines.”
The system also provides enhanced monitoring capabilities for race officials, and can be used for workouts and other training events. The APS is unaffected by weather conditions, such as snow and heavy fog, that periodically challenge traditional charting and race-calling.
Autochart has initiated discussions with racing’s major breed and regulatory bodies regarding the collection, delivery and enhancement of data. “We’re gratified by the reception we’re receiving at the highest levels,” Vincenzini said. “We have great respect for the work chart callers have done for years and believe the APS can support them with new varieties of data and perhaps free them up to do more ‘qualitative” and interpretive race reporting.”
“We’re confident Autochart has a valuable role to play in helping the sport move to another level of public interest, participation and enjoyment,” he added, citing the adaptability of APS information to the online and personal digital device environments.
“We especially want to salute Freehold Raceway, general manager Don Codey and track superintendent Gary Wolff for being innovators with us.”
The Autochart System is available for demonstration Tuesdays through Saturdays at Freehold Raceway in Freehold, NJ. More information is available at www.goautochart.com and the Autochart offices in New Hyde Park, NY, telephone 516.352.6001.
For additional information about the Autochart Positioning System:
Fernando A. Vincenzini
516. 352.6001 Ext 5#
fav@goautochart.com
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