German Racing adopts TurfTrax GoingStick and mapping service 16th July 2020
Germany has become the latest European racing jurisdiction to formally adopt the TurfTrax GoingStick and course mapping service at nine of its premier tracks including all six Group 1 venues.
Manufactured and managed by Cambridgeshire-based Technology company, TurfTrax, the GoingStick produces a scientific assessment of ground conditions, mandatory for all UK Turf meetings, measured on a scale in line with traditional going descriptions.
TurfTrax software interprets GoingStick readings to produce a visual reference in the form of a colourcoded a map of the course. Via the TurfTrax hub database information can be distributed by email and social media and can be uploaded to racing authority or racecourse websites automatically.
The GoingStick has been trialled extensively at a number of courses in Germany since 2017 including Hamburg, home of last week’s German Derby, and the official roll-out will follow a visit from TurfTrax Managing Director, Mike Maher, who will complete a training programme for course officials next week, deferred from March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Maher said, “With the GoingStick now in operation in more than ten major racing territories scientifically generated readings have become a part of the international racing language and increasingly both horsemen and racecourses consider them as integral to pre-raceday communication.
“We are delighted to be partnering with German racing and look forward to a long and successful working relationship.”
Frank Becker Deutscher Galopp’s Senior Stipendiary and Head of Stewarding said, “Establishing the GoingStick is an important step for Deutscher Galopp. It will significantly help us to gather vital information to optimize our courses on a daily basis and for Race days. For Animal Welfare, for Jockeys and Trainers and for all our followers.”
German racecourses adopting the TurfTrax GoingStick and course mapping service:
Baden Baden, Cologne, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, Berlin-Hoppegarten, Krefeld, Münich
Ends.