The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s (AGCO) test run using drone cameras to capture footage of harness racing was held during the Friday (December 2) morning qualifying session at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
The AGCO is conducting the pilot project to explore innovative ways to build on the officiating capabilities of race officials. 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).
The AGCO commissioned the services of the Hamilton-area Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) camera company DroneBoy for Friday’s pilot project. During the qualifying session, two drones were used and operated by a pilot and second crew member controlling the video feed. The drones hovered approximately 20 metres overhead travelling at a speed around 45 km/hr.
Standardbred Canada – December 3, 2016.
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