British Horseracing Authority (BHA) judges will now have access to improved photo finish images following the introduction of ultra high-resolution camera technology.
Lynx photo finish cameras, which capture images at around 6,000 frames per second – much faster than the equipment used previously – significantly improve the clarity of photos that help confirm the winner and finishing distances for each race.
This new technology is available at British racecourse, including this week’s Cheltenham Festival, where it will be the primary camera used for regulatory purposes alongside the existing backup and infield cameras to determine placings.
The enhanced images will give the BHA judging team a much clearer and more accurate picture, which will support quicker, more definitive decision making – especially in a tight finish or poor weather conditions.
The investment by RaceTech in upgraded equipment follows a trial period, and an ongoing role out process, during which the Lynx cameras have been tested extensively by the photo-finish operators and the BHA.
The images captured by the Lynx technology will be published on the BHA website and shared with broadcasters, to ensure consistency and transparency for participants and customers.
These will be provided in a new style, with additional enhancements planned to continually improve the information available when displaying race results.
BHA Judge and team principal, David Hicks, said:
“The introduction of Lynx photo finish cameras gives BHA judges access to the highest-quality images and supports us in calling the results of races to a much greater degree of certainty.
“The judging process itself doesn’t change, with our expert team still scrutinising the photo finish and exercising their judgement, but the new equipment provides us with a significantly enhanced picture from which we can make an informed assessment. This precision really matters, especially when horses may be split by a very small number of pixels.
“We always want to make use of the best, most advanced technology to help support decision-making on a raceday. While it won’t always be possible to split horses, with dead-heats an inevitability at times, the new technology will provide much clearer evidence that can help improve the clarity with which decisions are reached.”
John Bozza, RaceTech Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“RaceTech have been working very closely with Lynx camera systems and the BHA for the past 24 months developing the next generation of photo finish cameras.
“These new cameras not only offer greater resolution images but perform much better in lower light conditions. Lynx have also built a custom API to interface between the Lynx software and BHA platforms results data.
“We are delighted to support the BHA by investing in this new camera technology which will enhance the adjudication process”.
1. A photo finish image captured using the new, higher resolution Lynx camera technology
2. The same image captured using the older equipment
