How Drone Technology Can Improve the Quality of Horse Racing Broadcasts

Horse racing is unlike many other sports across the world, with broadcasters typically faced with different issues when recording live footage.

Unlike sports such as football and American Football that can be filmed with cameras following the action from left to right, horse races typically go round in an oval shape, meaning that it can often be tricky to get the best view of the action all around the course.

Drone technology has been a huge aid in ensuring that viewers have the best possible experience when watching live horse racing, as they will give fans the birds-eye view of the field, which can help those making in-play selections as they will have a greater understanding of the race tactics of each runner involved.

But, how is drone technology used within the sport and what are the benefits to the viewer?

Drone Footage Advantages

It is little surprising that horse racing has turned to drone footage in order to enhance the experience of the viewer. One of the big bonuses that come with using drones, in events such as the TwinSpires Belmont Stakes, is the fact that there is no longer the need for helicopters to be in operation above the track, which would decrease the carbon emissions within the sport. 

As well as that, the sound of helicopters above the horses involved in racing may have a knock-on effect when it comes to issues surrounding younger horses and getting spooked by loud noises. Nowadays, drones are able to operate at 8K video, meaning that it is perfect for television audiences.

Not only this, but they are easier for viewers to follow the action in every section of the race, especially longer distance races such as the Grand National, which can be typically hard to pinpoint your runner from a side view camera. Drone footage also adds creative elements to the broadcasters, as it will aid them to get the best possible angle for the viewer.

This will enhance the experience of watching racing, and also ensure that more viewers get into the sport as it isn’t as challenging to watch and locate the runner that you have wagered on.

Pros For the Viewer

Drone footage is an excellent incentive for the viewer, as it offers an unrivalled experience when it comes to watching the action on track. As well as that, drones are also used in the buildup to some of the biggest races, showing just how massive some of the courses can be.

Showing racecourses in their best light will only entice visitors to attend fixtures throughout the season, meaning that drones could play a direct impact in the future of horse racing’s success. Drone views of the race are also exceptionally important for those bettors that look to make in-play gambles on their selections.

Viewers can easily locate their runner, and assess the horses with the best possible chance based on the tactics that are being deployed during the race. Given the technological advances made within drones, it isn’t unlikely that we will see other fast-paced sports embracing the technology in the future. High-definition video is now widely accepted when using drones, and this enables footage to be shown in 4K resolution via 5G technology.

Horse racing isn’t the only sport that has embraced the birth of drone technology, as it has been readily used in Rally Championships across the world. The competitive nature of motorsports action makes it a perfect form of visual technology, as it enables viewers to see the field from up high, as well as providing the close-up shots of some of the key moments in the race, which gives viewers that intimate appreciation to the sport on the whole.

Potential Issues

One of the biggest issues that drone technology has unearthed is that random people are now able to stream live sporting events using the technology. This has been a continued issue across all sports, causing jeopardy to the funding models in some of the biggest competitions across the planet.

This footage can be streamed live on social media or the internet in high-quality, meaning that it is an illegal way to watch live action. The issue has continued into horse racing across recent years, with the BHA declaring way on those using drones to illegal film the horse racing action. FoxFly is believed to be the company responsible for the streaming of horse racing events, which has quickly been popular among gamblers looking to make in-play bets before sportsbooks are able to change the prices.

This gives the bettor an advantage over those that watch the live action on the channel where the racing is being broadcast, as it would typically be a couple of seconds behind. However, how the sport continues to address this issue is very interesting, as fines and arrests have been made in recent months.