13 years after suggesting a national form database with instant access for all tracks, Paul Simpson’s vision moved one step closer on Sunday night.
Simpson’s Advanced Tote organisation launched a battery of new internet servers which will enable a more efficient transfer of form between tracks and a central database.
It is part of a scheme which will see the 10 tracks still operating the ‘Raceman’ form handling system (the four GRA tracks, two Stadia UK tracks, Shawfield, Sittingbourne, Doncaster and Harlow), switch to Simpson’s more popular ‘Formnet’ software.
The integration completion date for all 25 GBGB licensed tracks is March 2016.
Simpson said: “The whole thing has been financed by BAGS and should result in a number of benefits for the greyhound industry. Firstly, there will be a reduction in duplication of data, which will save time and reduce the risk of errors.
“In the old system, tracks would keep their own information for their own dogs but would have to apply to PA for details on other dogs due to race or trial at the track. In future, they will have immediate access to all the form for all the dogs.
“There should be other benefits further down the line including an amalgamation of data with the GBGB.”
