The sophisticated Longines Positioning System will take timekeeping and track technology in thoroughbred racing to unprecedented levels. The LPS tracking provides instant data on the exact position of horses during a race, race rankings, the distance between horses and speed. It claims to boast positional accuracy down to five centimeters and features up to 1,000 measurements per second.

Data can be customized at any time during a race to show the movement of any horse and can reveal the speed of horses when they have received checks or been blocked for runs.

The system, which was used for the first time on April 11 at the Queen Elizabeth Stakes Day at Randwick is a game-changing development for timekeeping and track technology in thoroughbred racing, according to Longines vice-president and international marketing boss, Juan-Carlos Capelli.

A 62-gram tracking device with a battery life of five hours is attached to the saddle cloth and transmits to 12 antennas on the track which relay data to a base station on the track and then is how on screen.

Capelli said, ”For Longines, investing in technological advancements is the latest step in our long term relationship with horseracing. The Longines Positioning System delivers a number of benefits to the sport and is a game-changer for the racing industry.

“Whether you are a horse racing enthusiast, a world renowned jockey or a TV broadcaster, access to more accurate, flexible data allows you to understand, share and act on the intricacies of performance as never before.

“We are excited to see how the LPS technology can be utilized in the future to improve the experience for racing spectators, TV viewers and even smart phone and tablet users. There is no question that live performance data enhances viewing experience.” and depth of understanding. Understanding leads to improvement, and improvement leads to winning: for all.”

LPS tracking provides instant data on the exact position of horses during a race, race rankings, the distance between horses and speed. It claims to boast positional accuracy down to five centimetres and features up to 1,000 measurements per second.

There is a US company named Trakus with a similar system. Trakus is currently being used at many race tracks around the world including: Woodbine, Aqueduct, Belmont, Churchill Downs, Del Mar, Hong Kong Jockey Club, Gulfstream Park, Hoosier Park, Keeneland, Meydan, Santa Anita Park, Singapore Turf Club and Tampa Bay Downs. You will see it at the bottom of the TV screen as horses go around the track changing their order with their odds below.

Wonder if we will see the Trakus or Longines at the Kentucky Derby next year?