TROTTING More Demonstrations Of Videotaping Likely

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30783, 22 June 1965, Page 5

TROTTING More Demonstrations Of Videotaping Likely

A demonstration of videotaping races at night at Addington Raceway may be held soon. Officials of the three Christchurch trotting clubs yesterday had discussions with a representative of Photo Finishes (Australasia), Ltd., a company which landed a shipment of the latest videotaping equipment in Wellington at the week-end. The equipment may be demonstratd at the Christchurch Hunt’s meeting at Riccarton on July 31.

Officials of the three clubs, executive of the Trotting Conference, representatives of galloping clubs, and persons interested in trotting from all parts of New Zealand saw a demonstration of videotaping races at Addington yesterday. The videotape equipment was among the earliest manufactured in Japan and the camera was not built for the work, said an official of the firm which arranged the demonstration.

The demonstration was only a guide to the clarity of the picture and the speed with which it could be obtained,

said the president-elect of the conference (Mr A. J. Nicoll), of Ashburton. He had attended a race

meeting ait Flemington last week and had taken a close interest in the recording of races on the 10-furlong track, said Mr Nicoll. Five cameras had been used, some with cine film and some for videotaping. The results had been outstanding.

Six horses were provided by trainers from the Christchurch district for yesterday’s demonstration race. They raced over one mile and threequarters, passing through the front straight three times. Although the camera was unsuitable for the task, the tape showed a satisfactory image for about 150 yards of the 275-yard straight. The results showed that with proper cameras first-class results could be obtained. Probably three cameras would be needed to cover the six-furlong course.

The latest equipment, expected to be used for a night trial, has been built to give satisfactory coverage for almost 700 yards at Trentham. It is ideally suited for use at night meetings.