CourseTrack, the primary timing and data partner for Racecourse Media Group (RMG), has announced a sweeping leadership overhaul, appointing Simon Bazalgette as non-executive chair.
The restructuring is designed to position the in-race positioning specialist to capture burgeoning international demand for advanced performance analytics in the global horseracing sector.
Leadership Pedigree and Strategic Vision
The board will now be led by Simon Bazalgette as Non-Executive Chair. Bazalgette is a titan of the industry, having founded RMG in 2004 and chaired Jockey Club Racecourses for over a decade. Joining him as non-executive directors are Nick Watts and Nick Horsfall, both veteran investors from the technology and consulting sectors.
Chris Murtagh, who has served as Director of Operations since 2016, will officially take over the Managing Director role from founder Dave Tharp.
Simon Bazalgette expressed his ambitions for the firm’s technology:
“CourseTrack has already transformed the quality and consistency of in-race data across British and Irish racing. The opportunity now is to build on that success by continuing to deliver a robust, reliable service for our partners while evolving the technology and expanding into new territories.”
Precision Engineering for Global Broadcasters
CourseTrack’s system, which utilizes lightweight GPS trackers embedded in saddlecloths, currently operates across 60 racecourses. It provides high-frequency metrics, including leader speed and sectional times, with a precision level of sub-10cm.
Nick Mills, CEO of RMG, commented on the expansion:
“Strengthening the board with leaders of this calibre positions the business perfectly for its next phase of growth… delivering world-class data for our racecourses, partners and fans.”
The real-time data is a critical component for major broadcasters like ITV and Racing TV, and is increasingly used to power in-running betting markets for bookmakers across the UK and Ireland.
