Preamble
WHEREAS the Ontario Racing Commission (“ORC”) is committed to working with industry stakeholders to ensure that the integrity of the industry and public interest are upheld to the highest standards;
AND WHEREAS the integrity of races is preserved, in part, through the use of Race Patrol and Photo Finish equipment and/or services;
AND WHEREAS the Race Patrol and Photo Finish equipment and/or services used at Ontario Racetracks are vital tools which race officials rely upon while officiating races as such tools include live and retrievable video of the race and photo finish technologies;
AND WHEREAS in August of 2011, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (“CPMA”) through its amendment of the CPMA Regulations, Section 43, eliminated the requirements of Racetrack Associations to provide video surveillance equipment for race patrol purposes;
AND WHEREAS there are currently no provincial or federal regulatory requirements with respect to race patrol equipment;
ND WHEREAS the division of Racing Operations of the ORC recently developed a comprehensive Service Standard document which provides for minimum standards of equipment used for Race Patrol and Photo Finish used by Racetrack Associations (hereinafter “2016 Standards”), following consultation with industry representatives;
AND WHEREAS the implementation of 2016 Standards allows the Racetrack Associations to:
TAKE NOTICE that the Director hereby issues General Directive No. 1 – 2016, as follows:
The ORC Director hereby orders that effective February 1, 2016 all Ontario raceway/racetrack licensed administrators must commence implementing the 2016 Minimum “Race Patrol” and “Photo Finish” Standards Requirements outlined below and further orders that effective April 1, 2018, the 2016 Minimum “Race Patrol” and “Photo Finish” Standards become mandatory.
2016 MINIMUM “RACE PATROL” AND “PHOTO FINISH” STANDARDS:
For the purpose of sharing equipment or capital equipment pooling, the following racetracks may form a group, subject to appropriate cooperation and logistical analysis performed by the grouped parties:
Track Name |
Race days For 2015 |
Track size |
HD Cameras Required |
Lens Zoom Ratios |
Number of Photo Finish Cameras Required |
Ajax Downs “Quarter Horses” |
27 |
5/8 mile |
1 Pan 1 L. Pan 1 Tower |
30x 30x 30x |
1 |
Clinton Raceway |
15 |
½ mile |
1 Pan |
20 x |
1 |
Dresden Raceway |
|
½ mile |
1 Pan 1 Tower |
20 x 20 x |
1 |
Flamboro Downs |
134 |
½ mile |
1 Pan
|
20 x 30x 22 x |
1 |
Fort Erie |
37 T |
1 mile |
2 Pan & L Pan |
50 x |
2 |
“Thoroughbred” |
5 QH |
7/8 turf |
1 Apex |
20 x |
|
Note: two racing surfaces only 5 cameras |
2 Front Towers 1 Back Tower |
33 x 33 x |
|||
Georgian Downs |
40 |
5/8 mile |
2 Pan 2 Towers |
30 x 30 x |
1 |
Grand River Raceway |
48 |
½ mile |
1 Pan
|
20 x 30x 20x |
1 |
Hanover Raceway |
16 |
½ mile |
1 Pan 1 Tower |
20 x 20 x |
1 |
Hiawatha Horse Park |
21 |
5/8 mile |
|
30 x 30 x |
1 |
Kawartha Downs |
96 |
5/8 mile |
2 Pan 1 Tower |
30 x 30 x |
1 |
Leamington |
14 |
½ mile |
1 Pan |
20 x |
1 |
Mohawk Raceway |
118 |
7/8 mile |
2 Pan
|
55 x 30 x 44 x |
2 |
Rideau Carleton Raceway |
90 |
5/8 mile |
2 Pan 2 Towers |
33 x 33 x |
1 |
Western Fair Raceway |
125 |
½ mile |
1 Pan
|
20 x 30 x 20x |
1 |
Woodbine Standardbred |
103 S |
7/8 mile |
2 Pan
|
55 x 30 x 44 x |
2 |
Woodbine “Thoroughbred” Notes: two racing surfaces: Turf or Poly track. |
133 T |
*1.5 mile Turf or *1 mile Poly track |
2 Pan
2 Towers P 1 1m +¼ |
55 x 30 x 44 x 44 x *20 x |
3 |
REQUIREMENT |
MINIMUM PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION – RACE PATROL |
|
(Group “C”)1/3” Camera Examples see: Sony PXW-X160 or JVC GY-HM790U camcorders, (daylight racing only) equivalent or better |
1/3” Professional HD 1920x1080 - 3 chip CMOS or CCD array sensors Minimum resolution 800 TV lines both horizontally and vertically in 1080i/60 mode, S/N Ratio 52dB-58db with gain at 0dB Sensitivity (2000 lx/F8, 89.9 reflectance) F8 in 1920x1080/59.94i |
|
(Group “B”) ½” Camera Note: Group “B” Tracks may also select 2/3” cameras from Group “A” Example see: Sony PMW 320K equivalent or better |
½ “ Professional HD 1920x1080 – 3 chip CCD or CMOS array sensors with a minimum HD resolution 1000 TV lines both horizontally and vertically in 1080i/60 mode, S/N Ratio 54dB-58db with gain at 0dB Sensitivity (2000 lx/F10, 89.9 reflectance) F10 in 1920x1080/59.94i |
|
(Group “A”) 2/3” Camera Examples see: Hitachi DK-Z50 or Sony HXC-100,DSC-300 equivalent or better |
2/3 CCD HD 1920x1080 3 chip CCD or CMOS array sensors HDTV Professional Field Production or Box Camera with a minimum HD Resolution 800-1000TVL 1080/59.94i S/N Ratio 58-60db HD-SDI 1080i output with gain at 0db Sensitivity (2000 lx /F10, 89.9 reflectance) F10 in 1920x1080/59.94i |
|
Camera power supply and battery backup equivalent or better |
All cameras specified must be equipped with an AC adaptor power supply sufficient to power the camera viewfinder and lens and a UPS battery backup capable of maintaining power for a minimum of 30 minutes in the event of a power failure at the camera location |
|
Lenses for ½ mile tracks |
See site specific requirements listed by track (16x9 aspect ratio) |
|
Lenses for 5/8 mile tracks |
See site specific requirements listed by track (16x9 aspect ratio) |
|
Lenses required for tracks greater than 5/8 mile |
See site specific requirements listed by track (16x9 aspect ratio) |
|
Special Lenses see site specific requirements |
See site specific requirements for Woodbine and Mohawk (F.O.V. assumes 16x9 aspect ratio) |
|
Lenses specified as 20x zoom 1/3” Sensor equivalent or better |
Lens with a Horizontal Field of View: approx 55.2 ° o 3 0° or better. Note: (wide- to cover width of track, narrow- far track, zoom to 3 horses lengths) |
|
Lenses specified as 30x zoom ½”Sensor equivalent or better |
Lenses must have a minimum Horizontal Field of View: 32.4° to 1.1° or better continuous with no extender |
|
Lenses specified as 33x zoom ½” Sensor equivalent or better |
Lenses must have a minimum Horizontal Field of View: 32.4° to 1.0° or better continuous with no extender |
|
Lenses specified as 30x zoom on 2/3 Sensor equivalent or better |
Lenses must have a minimum Horizontal Field of View: 47.1° to 1.6° or better continuous with no extender |
|
Lenses specified as 33x zoom on 2/3”Sensor equivalent or better |
Lenses must have a minimum Horizontal Field of View: 58.3° to 1.9° or better continuous with no extender |
|
Lenses specified as 44x zoom on 2/3”Sensor equivalent or better |
Lenses must have a minimum Horizontal Field of View: 47.5° to 1.14° or better continuous with no extender. Note: In the case of Woodbine the lenses must have a 2 times extender or have a narrower horizontal field of view of 0.60 to accommodate the much longer turf course distances |
|
Special lens requirement 50x zoom on a ½” Sensor equivalent or better |
Lenses must have a minimum Horizontal Field of View: 40.2° to 0.84° or better continuous with no extender |
|
Special lens requirement 55x zoom on 2/3” sensor equivalent or better |
Lenses must have a minimum Horizontal Field 56.4° to 1.1° or better continuous with no extender. Note: In the case of Woodbine the lenses must have a 2 times extender or have a narrower horizontal field of view of 0.60° to accommodate the much larger turf course |
|
Light sensitivity lens & camera equivalent or better |
The lens and camera combination must be able to produce 1 volt peak to peak signal level using a light source of 50 foot candles at 3200K on a 60% reflectance chart with the camera set at 0 dB gain detail amp off. |
|
Camera Viewfinders equivalent or better |
Each camera must have an attached a 5” high resolution 16 :9 HD Viewfinder/Monitor equipped with sun shade, capable of displaying 100% of the recorded picture area (1024 x 600 or better resolution) with access to camera setup menus. |
|
Camera mounts Example; Custom camera cradle Equivalent or better |
Must be capable of interfacing with existing race patrol camera turrets installed at most racetracks. In the absence of camera turret, contractor must supply adequate “weight rated” locking fluid or cam pan tilt head and mount. |
|
Digital Video Recording With video streaming capabilities
See: HVO-1000MD HD Blu-ray Recorder equivalent or better
Note: Minimum archrival retention period; one year. |
Digital Input/output: HD-SDI capable with a HDMI output & SD option. Capable of supporting a Genlock Input: (1920x1080/60/59.94 Interlace) Audio Input/output: embedded HD-SDI, AES and Analog 600 ohms Video Compression: Motion JPEG2000, MPEG-4/H264 AVC or MPEG-2 Must support the following Portable External Media in HD: optical disc drives DVD disc and USB portable hard drives and must support USB flash memory (thumb drives). Video streaming capable. Must be capable of variable playback speeds including ½ speed, freeze frame and frame by frame playback. Record systems utilizing a single CPU for two or more video streams must provide a backup recording solution. |
|
Recording deliverable medium must include: |
Blu-ray discs, DVD discs and portable USB thumb drives must be recorded in HD MPEG-2, H.264/MPEG-4 and SPPTE VC-1 video (1080i) quality that is compatible with the playback device for the requested venue |
|
Switching Devices Routing matrix of 8x8 for 2 camera tracks, 16x16 for three camera tracks and 16x32 for four or more camera tracks equivalent or better |
A video/audio routing-switcher device capable of switching any specified camera, video title device or other available video signals to any recorder so as to allow adding any camera angle with titling to a single record in an assembled edited sequence. |
|
Judges monitor(s) |
Minimum 32” LED backlit, matte screen, LCD 1080x1920, 2 HDMI inputs, |
|
Control room Video Monitor Preview/Program Minimum 15 ” widescreen equivalent or better |
Professional Video Production monitor capable of supporting HD-SDI and HDMI inputs for 1080/60i signal support with audio monitoring |
|
Backup systems: Next race day repair/ready |
Readily available complete backup equipment and support for all system components including: Cameras, Lenses, power supplies, Recording devices, switching, titling and supporting systems must be made available at all times for immediate onsite swapping or next racing day replacement/repair. |
|
Down Converter HD to SD equivalent or better |
A signal down-converter that supports HD-SDI to Analog SD to convert HD signals in letterbox, anamorphic 16:9 and center cut 4:3 as required for distribution |
|
Intercom Requirements Full Duplex communication systems are required. |
All camera operators must have hands-free communication with the race patrol operator location during live races and setup. Note: The Track is to provide this as part of their infrastructure requirements. Intercom remediation may be necessary in some locations. Hands free Telephones, or duplex intercoms may already be provided by the track however the contractor(s) must conduct site surveys and pretesting for each track/location to determine proper function of the communication system well in advance of racing to allow arrangements/coordination when required. |
|
All necessary cables, equipment, accessories, portable media and tools |
All necessary interconnecting cables, equipment racks, equipment shelves, power bars, preview/program monitors, signal distribution devices, audio mixing and monitoring devices, controls and accessories to insure complete system function and seamless operation. |
|
Photo Finish Systems Please see detailed specification document for Photo Finish in Ontario |
Detailed specifications are outlined in a separate Photo Finish document attached. |
|
Backup Photo Finish Systems |
Backup photo finish camera equipment must be installed and made available in the event of failure buy the next race card. |
|
Camera Selection and Performance Specification:
Each camera grouping A, B or C must ultimately meet the minimum specification (equivalent or better) indicated for that group. Camera locations indicated for B or C may also select cameras of the next higher class i.e. Group C can install B or A Group Cameras. Similarly, locations identified in the “B” Group may also select Cameras from the “A” Group.
2016 Adherence Requirements:
All equipment replacements, upgrades or changes must meet or exceed these new standards during the conversion period of February 1, 2016 to the adherence date of April 1, 2018. Conversion to the 2016 minimum standards can be made at any time prior to the adherence requirement date of April 1, 2018.
Existing Race Patrol/Photo Finish service levels (quantity/quality of equipment) used during the 2015 racing season for adjudication must be maintained during the standards conversion period including access to Low Pan cameras where applicable.
Track Name |
Number of Cameras Specifications for Camera Groups “Equivalent or better” |
Lens Zoom Ratio Requirements Refer to ‘F.O.V.’ in detailed specs. |
HD Cameras Required |
Down converter required to SD for Broadcast |
||
Ajax Downs “Quarter Horses” |
3 Cameras: Group “B” |
1- 30x 1- 33x 1 - 30x |
1 Pan 1 L. Pan 1 Tower |
Yes |
||
Clinton Raceway |
1 Camera: Group “C” |
1 - 20 x |
1 Pan |
No |
||
Dresden Raceway |
2 Cameras: Group “C” |
1 – 20x 1 - 20 x |
1 Pan 1 Tower |
No |
||
Flamboro Downs |
4 Cameras: 3 Group “B” 1* Group “A”^ |
1 - 20 x 1 - 30 x^ 2 - 22 x |
1 Pan^ 1 L. Pan 2 Towers |
Yes |
||
Fort Erie “Thoroughbred” Note: two racing surfaces *Only 5 cameras are required for any race distance on either race surface |
5 Cameras: 2 Group “A” Pans 1 Group “C” Apex* 2 Group “B” Towers 1 Group “B” Tower |
2- 50 x 1- 20 x* 2- 33 x 1- 33 x |
2 Pan 1 Apex* 2 Front towers 1 Back tower |
Yes |
||
Georgian Downs |
4 Cameras: 1 Group “A”^ 3 Group “B” |
1 - 30x 1 - 33x 2 - 30 x |
1 Pan^ 1 L. Pan 2 Towers |
Yes |
||
Grand River Raceway |
4 Cameras: 3 Group “C” 1* Group “B”^ |
1- 20x 1- 30x^ 2- 20x |
1 Pan^ 1 L. Pan 2 Towers |
Yes |
||
Hanover Raceway |
2 Cameras: Group “C” |
1 - 20x 1 - 20 x |
1 Pan 1 Tower |
Yes |
||
Hiawatha Horse Park |
3 Cameras: Group “B” |
1 - 30 x 2 - 30 x |
1 Pan 2 Towers |
No |
||
Kawartha Downs |
3 Cameras: Group “B” |
1 - 30 x 1 - 33 x 1 - 30 x |
1 Pan 1 L. Pan 1 Tower |
Yes |
||
Leamington Raceway |
1 Camera Group “C” |
1 - 20 x |
1 Pan |
No |
||
Mohawk Raceway |
5 Cameras: 2 Group “A” 2 Group “A” 1 Group “B” Apex |
1-55 x 1- 55 x 2- 44 x 1-30 x |
1 Pan 1 L. Pan 2 Towers 1 Apex |
Yes |
||
Rideau Carleton Raceway |
4 Cameras: 3 Group “A” 1 Group “B”^ |
1- 30x 1- 33 x 2- 33 x |
1 Pan 1 L. Pan^ 2 Towers |
Yes |
||
Sudbury Downs |
2 Cameras: Group “C” |
1 - 20x 1 - 20 x |
1 Pan 1 Tower |
No |
||
Western Fair Raceway |
4 Cameras: 1 Group “B”^ 3 Group “C” |
1- 20 x 1- 30 x 2- 20 x |
1 Pan^ 1 L Pan 2 Towers |
Yes |
||
Woodbine Standardbred |
5 Cameras: 2 Group “A” 2 Group “A” 1 Group “B” Apex^ |
1 - 55x 1 - 55 x 2- 44 x 1-30 x |
1 Pan 1 L. Pan 2 Towers 1 Apex^ |
Yes |
||
Woodbine “Thoroughbred” Notes: two racing surfaces: Turf or Poly track. *Only 5 cameras are required for any race distance on either race surface |
8 Cameras: 2 Group “A” Pan 1 Group “B” Apex, 1 Group “C” 1.¼* 2 Group “A” Towers 2 Group “A” Towers |
2- 55 x 1- 30 x 1- *20 x 2- 44 x 2 -44x |
1 Pan 1 L. Pan 1 Apex 1 1m +¼* 2 Towers Poly 2 Towers Turf |
Yes |
||
Pan Cameras (grandstand location) requirements:
Camera Towers- infrastructure requirements:
Race Patrol Control room (Recording Location) requirements:
Digital Photo Finish line-scan sensor camera system guidance:
The Number of Cameras required is provided above in Chart B: “Reference Chart Race Patrol and Photo Finish – Ontario 2016,” listed by track.
Hardware & Software:
Winning post mirror (for thoroughbred):
Survey must be provided and confirmed at all tracks:
Photo Finish Room (Camera Location) Minimum Requirements:
Photo Finish operator’s position in Judges Room:
System check list for a Typical One-Camera Photo Finish System:
Most of the existing cables that transmit the video to the Judges and Stewards from the race patrol cameras in Ontario may not be suitable for transmission of the more “data rich” HD content required by current model equipment. In most cases this issue will require re-cabling to deliver the HD content from camera positions to the race patrol recording location and then on to the Judges’ Stand. Some tracks have fiber optic cables in place. However, transitioning to HD will require advice and guidance in adapting to new site-specific Transmit and Receive boxes that connect to the terminals at each end of the cable.
Alternatively a wireless solution may be more suitable under certain situations to transmit the signals back from remote cameras particularly for those looking for a temporary solution.
The licensed racetrack administrators should use the following information related to this transmission of race patrol camera signals that may be helpful in upgrading the Photo Finish and Video Patrol Systems.
For tracks without fiber optic cables in place:
For tracks that have fiber optic cables in place:
For a good cross section of available fiber optic hardware options the ORC recommends visiting Communication Specialties Inc. web site www.commspecial.com to learn more or call Paul Seiden at (813) 653-1686.
In Canada, SS Marketing Distribution handles fiber optic hardware (514) 780-2070 or contact Rob DeSlaulier (416) 832-8025 or other vendors to obtain more information.
For information on fiber installations and cable it is recommended to contact Com Cabling (800) 331-3069 or other installation vendors.
Wireless transmission option:
Wireless HD transmitters are relatively new for applications that require the distances required at most race tracks. New high gain antennae are being developed and customized to allow for wireless point to point transmission such as those that would be required to transmit from the camera towers at the tracks with good results of up to 2,500ft.
These low powered transmitters are required to be operated below the 100 m-watts maximum in the 5 to 6 Gig band spectrum to be unlicensed. Since the transmitters are low-powered they require high gain fixed antenna precisely pointed to be effective.
Transmitters of this category will also transmit imbedded HD audio or one channel of stereo analogue audio when connected to its built-in XLR 5 inputs.
The cost of a suitably configured system with specialized antenna to transmit wirelessly from a typical camera tower could cost in the range of $30,000.00 (+/-)
For more information about wireless the ORC recommends to contact Peter Crevier at (416) 399-0528 or other HD wireless vendors.
BY ORDER OF THE COMMISSION
Jean Major
Executive Director
Preamble
WHEREAS amendments to the Pari-Mutuel Betting Supervision Regulations (“Regulations”) came into force on January 1, 2012;
AND WHEREAS as a result of the amendments to the Regulations, the Ontario Racing Commission (“ORC”) would be required to “approve” horsepersons;
AND WHEREAS the ORC determined that the mechanism for “approving” horsepersons would be conducted through licensing of horsepersons in accordance with the Racing Commission Act, 2000;
AND WHEREAS the ORC implemented certain Rules of Racing relating to the requirement for horsepersons (horsepeople’s organizations) to be licensed in accordance with the Racing Commission Act, 2000;
AND WHEREAS the horsepeople’s organizations served upon the ORC a Notice of Application for Judicial Review;
AND WHEREAS the Judicial Review was heard on March 14, 2012 and the decision of the Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court was delivered on June 12, 2012;
AND WHEREAS the ORC and the horsepeople’s organizations determined that further consultations were required prior to the continued implementation of certain Rules of Racing related to the licensing of horsepeople’s organizations;
AND WHEREAS the Director issued General Directive No 4/2012 which ordered a stay of the implementation of certain Rules of Racing relating to licensing of horsepeople’s organizations until September 30, 2012;
AND WHEREAS the Director issued General Directive No 6/2012 which ordered a further stay of the implementation of certain Rules of Racing relating to licensing of horsepeople’s organizations until December 31, 2012;
AND WHEREAS the Director issued General Directive No 7/2012 which ordered a further stay of the implementation of certain Rules of Racing relating to licensing of horsepeople’s organizations until March 31, 2013;
AND WHEREAS the Director issued General Directive No ½013 which ordered a further stay of the implementation of certain Rules of Racing relating to licensing of horsepeople’s organizations until June 30, 2013;
AND WHEREAS the Director issued General Directive No 2/2013 which ordered a further stay of the implementation of certain Rules of Racing relating to licensing of horsepeople’s organizations until December 31, 2013;
AND WHEREAS the Director issued General Directive No 6/2013 which ordered a further stay of the implementation of certain Rules of Racing relating to licensing of horsepeople’s organizations until March 31, 2014;
AND WHEREAS the Director issued General Directive No ½014 which ordered a further stay of the implementation of certain Rules of Racing relating to licensing of horsepeople’s organizations until September 30, 2014;
AND WHERAS the Director issued General Directive No 2/2014 which ordered a further stay of the implementation of certain Rules of Racing relating to licensing of horsepeople’s organizations until March 31, 2015;
AND WHEREAS the Director issued General Directive No ½015 which ordered a further stay of the implementation of certain Rules of Racing relating to licensing of horsepeople’s organizations until September 30, 2015;
AND WHEREAS the Director issued General Directive No 3/2015 which ordered a further stay of the implementation of certain Rules of Racing relating to licensing of horsepeople’s organizations until March 31, 2016;
AND WHEREAS the Director has determined that it is in the best interests of racing to further delay the implementation of certain Rules of Racing related to the licensing of horsepeople’s organizations;
TAKE NOTICE that the Director hereby issues General Directive No. 2-2016 as follows:
The ORC Director hereby orders a stay of the continued implementation of the following Rules of Racing until December 31, 2016.
Rules of Standardbred Racing
Rule 3.02.01
Where an Association has entered into an agreement with a horsepeople’s organization, representing participants racing at that facility, that horsepeople’s organization must be licensed by the Commission.
Rule 3.02.02:
Each Association shall ensure that it has an agreement with either of the following for the purposes of Section 3(1)(c)(iii) of the Pari-Mutuel Betting Supervision Regulations:
Failure to comply with this rule may result in fines or suspension.
Rules of Thoroughbred Racing
Rule 4.15.01
Where an Association has entered into an agreement with a horsepeople’s organization, representing participants racing at that facility, that horsepeople’s organization must be licensed by the Commission.
Rule 4.15.02
Each Association shall ensure that it has an agreement with either of the following for the purposes of Section 3(1)(c)(iii) of the Pari-Mutuel Betting Supervision Regulations:
Failure to comply with this rule may result in fines or suspension.
BY ORDER OF THE COMMISSION
Jean Major
Executive Director