Drone To Hover Over Western Fair Races

Published: November 21, 2016 02:06 pm EST

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has commissioned the services of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) camera company to capture footage of morning qualifying sessions at The Raceway at Western Fair District. The ‘drone’ will be in operation on the morning of Friday, December 2.

The intent of this pilot project is to explore innovative ways to build on the officiating capabilities of AGCO race officials. Currently, racetracks are required to provide the race officials with race patrol video throughout the race course. These live and recorded images are viewed by the officials both during and after the race in order to determine if any violations of the rules of racing have occurred.

The unique camera angles possible from drones could provide improved fields of view that could ultimately assist AGCO judges in officiating races – focusing on potential infractions such as interference, urging violations, or horses leaving the course (pylon rule).

Based on the findings of the pilot, the AGCO may request the cooperation of other tracks in Ontario.

Horsepeople interested in participating in this December 2 pilot should contact the race office at Western Fair.

(AGCO)

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