Cheltenham officials have declined to speculate on reports plans have been put in place to enlist the help of a specialist company to combat the threat of drones at next month’s festival. Reports on Thursday named a firm understood to have been recruited by Jockey Club Racecourses to help mitigate against the practice – prevalent this winter at British tracks – of flying drones over venues during race days. Drones have been spotted at several tracks around the country, reportedly in order to send live footage of races to in-running gamblers seeking an edge several seconds ahead of broadcast coverage. Extra aerial traffic is an obvious potential safety and security concern at high-profile meetings such as the spring festivals at Cheltenham and Aintree – another Jockey Club track. A spokesperson for Cheltenham referenced that consideration, while pointing out course policy to offer no further comment on the issue.

Source: The Irish Times February 21, 2019 14:37 UTC