British racing moved a step closer to the possible introduction of a mechanical device to measure the state of the going today.
Going reports at most of the country's tracks are currently determined by human means alone, with clerks of the course heavily criticised when they are perceived to have got it wrong.
But the Levy Board today announced a #90,000 grant for the completion of trials of a 'going meter'.
The grant was asked for by the Jockey Club, whose director of racecourse services Tony Goodhew said: 'There remains an industry-wide demand for an accurate and effective method of measuring the going.
'Over the last year we have made good progress with a going meter designed by ADAS.
'We are delighted that the Levy Board has agreed to fund the next stage of development, which will enable the device to undergo extensive trials around the country.'
Jockey Club senior inspector of courses Richard Linley has been testing a prototype device since last year, a second will be used by United Racecourses from August and six other tracks will use meters from the following month.
If all goes well during the test period, the meter will become available to all 59 British courses in 2002.
Racecourses are set to welcome the new device.
Katie Langdell of the Racecourse Association said: 'We feel that everybody connected with the racing industry will benefit from the introduction of a definitive going meter which will provide consistent readings.' -PA
