Harness Racing Victoria is continuing to invest in the latest technology to deliver industry-leading procedures at meetings right around the state.

OnTrack, the sport’s dedicated trackside operations and integrity tool, has been used to great effect in recent times, with digital horse check-ins and paperless swabbing now accompanied by parade ring scanning.

“This initiative involving RISE Racing and HRV Integrity, with previous support from CGI and the State Government, has been an 18-month project that has demanded rigorous trials and validation,” HRV’s Head of Digital Transformation and Information Services Matthew Vella said.

“Developed with close guidance by HRV Integrity, the intuitiveness of the user interface, closely tied industry functionality and logical layout means staff are very rapidly becoming proficient, often running with the solution after only one or two quick training sessions.”

Vella said the OnTrack system was used with great success during the big Victoria Cup meeting at Melton Entertainment Park on October 14.

“It’s one of the busiest nights in HRV’s race calendar and it was great to see a significant number of staff engaging with the solution simultaneously, on a plethora of devices, to help administer the premier event,” he said.

“The increased efficiency in operations, streamlined access to real time information and automated checks and notifications resulted in a smooth and effective delivery.”

Vella said HRV was in the process of working with RISE to expand the OnTrack offering.

“A horse microchipping solution is rapidly approaching the testing stage,” he said. “The solution will ensure vets can identify and accurately record new standardbreds in the field, and digitally scan and record the actual chip ID and horse markings directly into the system. This will remove reams of paperwork in the process.

“We are also working to make the stewards’ summary reports easier by looking to automatically capture and summarise race results and swabbing details, track weather conditions, as well as support efficient recording and systematic processing of any penalties or infringements in real time.

“Beyond, the plan is to cover stable inspections, vet examinations and more. We are also expanding all functions to digitally capture and monitor horse temperatures automatically at each checkpoint where Destron Bio Chips have been implanted.

“This highlights the many ways HRV is looking to deliver on its commitment to having the highest standard of welfare and integrity within the sport.”