RaceTech role in HD development

RaceTech has succeeded in securing a key role in the future development of High Definition television coverage of horseracing, following a competitive tender process.

The specialist technical facilities company which has unrivalled experience in the delivery of horseracing pictures for domestic and international broadcast, has been commissioned by Racing UK to build and operate a fleet of three bespoke Outside Broadcast Units capable of race coverage, programme coverage and on-course Closed-circuit television production.

The high-specification vehicles are due to be deployed in the first quarter of next year at racecourses whose picture rights are managed by premier satellite and cable broadcaster, Racing UK, and will replace three of the company’s existing fleet of six Outside Broadcast Units.

Courses include Aintree, Cheltenham, Epsom, Goodwood, Kempton, Newbury, Newmarket, Sandown and York, which between them stage the majority of the UK’s most prestigious horseracing events, including the Grand National, a highlight of the BBC’s sports programming, and the world’s premier Classic, the Derby.

The 2011 Cheltenham Festival in March is expected to be the first major horseracing fixture to be shown in High Definition by terrestrial broadcaster, Channel 4.

The Outside Broadcast Units form part of an £7m investment by Racing UK which also includes a new high speed HD network commissioned from BT to deliver the RaceTech pictures to Racing UK’s London production hub.

RaceTech CEO Brad Higgins said: “RaceTech looks forward to working in partnership with Racing UK in delivering an HD service to British Racing.  The investment being undertaken by RaceTech reinforces the company’s position as a world leader in the provision of broadcast and integrity services to the racing industry.”

RaceTech, has been at the forefront of the technological development of horseracing since the company was founded in 1946, primarily to research and develop a photofinish system for the sport and in 1965 introduced ‘scout’ cameras to enhance the integrity of the sport by enabling the entire race to be filmed for the first time.

This awarding of this prestigious contract follows recent success for RaceTech and RaceTech AV, the company’s specialist division which specialises in the design, build and installation of audio visual systems, which has recently completed major projects for Arena Leisure at its new Lingfield Park hotel, The University of Huddersfield’s media studies department and Epsom Downs Racecourse’s £250 million Duchess’s Stand development.

Further information:          

Brad Higgins, RaceTech, 020 8947 3333 bhiggins@racetech.co.uk

Philip Brannan, Sportsguide, 01344 774322 philip@sportsguidelimited.com

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