Tote pays up to quicken the pace

The Jockey Club and the Tote yesterday initiated a joint plan to speed up the time taken to conduct stewards' inquiries at racecourses.

Improved viewing facilities and communications equipment are to be introduced on all racecourses.

A trial of new equipment has been taking place at four selected courses during the past 12 months and the Tote, satisfied the rehearsal has proved successful, have agreed to fund the installation of the equipment at all tracks.

Part of the plan is to install four screens in the stewards' room, synchronised to allow all those involved in an inquiry a complete view of any incident from all angles without having to re-run tapes.