Simon Bazalgette appointed chair of CourseTrack board expansion

CourseTrack has appointed Simon Bazalgette as non-executive chair. The horse racing timing and positioning specialist is looking to expand its global reach and strengthen its racing data offering.

The company, which partners with Racecourse Media Group (RMG), has also added Nick Watts and Nick Horsfall to its board as non-executive directors. This is happening because demand is growing for deeper performance insights and real-time racing data across betting, broadcast and analytics platforms.

CourseTrack currently provides in-race timing and positioning data across 60 racecourses in the UK and Ireland, including every racecourse in Ireland and 35 in Britain.

Bazalgette brings racing and media experience

Bazalgette is a well-known figure within British horseracing and previously chaired Jockey Club Racecourses between 2008 and 2019. He was also the founding executive chairman of Racecourse Media Group in 2004.

His current roles include chairing Spectacle Partners and GVS EQ, both of which operate within sports and equestrian sectors. Bazalgette said CourseTrack had already improved the quality and consistency of in-race data across British and Irish racing.

“I’m looking forward to working with a strong board with amazing financial, technical and investment experience. Together, the aim is to develop a worldwide footprint for the CourseTrack service.” – Simon Bazalgette

The restructured board also includes CourseTrack managing director Chris Murtagh, RMG chief financial officer Tim Moss and existing director Andrew Donald, who serves as RMG’s head of product.

CourseTrack data powers betting and broadcasts

CourseTrack’s technology uses lightweight GPS trackers fitted into saddlecloths to provide live racing data, including sectional times, race speed and distance to finish. The data is used by broadcasters including ITV, Racing TV and RTÉ.

It also supports in-running betting markets for bookmakers in the UK and Ireland, while powering the RaceiQ analytics platform used across broadcast and digital channels.

According to CourseTrack, the system now operates with sub-10cm tracking accuracy using RTK technology.

System supports major UK and Irish races

CourseTrack’s real-time data system is already used during some of the biggest races on the British and Irish racing calendar.

These include:

• The Grand National.
• The  Cheltenham Gold Cup.
• The Epsom Derby.

RMG chief executive Nick Mills said the strengthened board positioned the business for its next stage of growth and would help CourseTrack continue delivering world-class racing data for racecourses, betting partners and fans.