Electronic Camera

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31967, 19 April 1969, Page 6

Electronic Camera

"The Press” Special Service HAMILTON.

An electronic camera, which will also time every horse in •i a race to one-hundredth of a I second, will be used by the Waikato Racing Club at its winter fixture at Te Rapa on May 3. 10 and 17. This will be the first time that such a device Is used on a New Zealand racecourse. Entirely portable, it will be on trial for its timing and as a second camera for photo-finish purposes. It is the only camera of its kind in New Zealand, anv is being made available by the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association after the Waikato Racing Club investigated its potential for use in racing. The timing mechanism will be connected directly to the Caddy electric starting gates, and will start on the opening of the gates. The times for each horse are superimposed on the film as the field passes the winning post. Though they are recorded in hundredths of a second, the limes will be dis-: played in tenths. However,, in the event of a time bettering a record, the exact time will be displayed. The club is also installing . closed-circuit television, and it is hoped that this will be in operation at the winter meeting. The final system will incorporate at least 16 television sets and the service will include monitoring the infield indicator board and the running of races, together with commentaries. presentations, and

all other items of interest which can conveniently be televised.