Woodbine Launches Trakus Wireless System for Horse Racing

[Round Pen]

TORONTO, September 12 - Racing fans across North America watching and wagering on Woodbine's thoroughbred racing will always know exactly where their horse is thanks to a revolutionary wireless tracking system developed by Trakus Inc.

The system, which has been developed over several years by the Boston based company, provides detailed information regarding the position and speed of every horse in every Thoroughbred race run at Woodbine. Improved television coverage is the immediate benefit for customers, but soon visitors to Woodbine's website will be able watch virtual reenactments of the races, putting them in saddle of the winning horse or anywhere else on the track.

Trakus is just one more example of how technology is transforming the sport of horse racing. Small trackside antennae mounted around the racetrack communicate with light weight radio transponders that are placed in the horses' saddlecloth pockets before each race. The data collected on each horse can be used instantly for television displays or archived to the Web or print for later use by handicappers.

"This is yet another innovation embraced by Woodbine in our efforts to deliver the best experience and information to our customers," said Andrew Macdonald, Woodbine Entertainment's Vice-President of Marketing and Customer Communications.

"Working closely with Woodbine as our first partner racetrack has been a great experience," said Bob McCarthy, President and CEO, Trakus. "Woodbine, with its multiple track surfaces, racing formats, and innovative production team, is a unique and ideal venue for showcasing our technology."

Trakus represents the latest in a series of innovations introduced by Woodbine Entertainment. On August 30th, Woodbine began racing on Polytrack, Canada's first synthetic racetrack and last year Woodbine launched the first legal wireless wagering system in Canada.

Woodbine Entertainment expects to use the Trakus system to enhance its harness racing coverage when harness racing