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New Special Camera for horse racing brings viewers even closer to the action

BBC Outside Broadcasts Special Cameras team has developed a new 'Starting Stalls Camera' to enhance horse racing coverage. It is the first time in the UK a camera has been mounted on the moving part of the gate to capture live pictures from the starting stalls. Following successful trials last week, and full approval from the Jockey Club and Racetech, the new camera was used to cover horse racing at Goodwood for BBC Two, on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 May 2005 and has already been booked for the Derby.

David Lees, Special Cameras Supervisor with BBC Outside Broadcasts worked with the team to develop the new camera for Sunset & Vine, the television production company who make the Goodwood programme for BBC Sport. David says “It is crucial that a camera position does not impact on the starting of a race and we have taken great care to ensure that the opening of the starting gates is never affected by our new camera”

Steve Docherty, programme Director with Sunset + Vine says: "We strive to provide new and exciting angles on the action and enhance the viewers’ experience of the race. BBC Outside Broadcasts can put cameras in places where you physically can't go! The new Stall Camera enables viewers to be right there with the horses and jockeys from the very start of the race and join in with the anticipation and excitement from the stalls."

About BBC Outside Broadcasts
BBC Outside Broadcasts, a division of BBC Resources, is the leading outside broadcast facilities provider in Europe, offering a complete range of solutions from scanners and VT units to design of bespoke OB production units and special cameras.

Combining creativity and flair with technical expertise, project management and customer service skills, BBC Outside Broadcasts caters for both small and large scale events across all genres. Key clients include BBC Sport, BBC Entertainment, BBC Factual and BBC Childrens and independents such as North One, TWI and Sunset & Vine. BBC Outside Broadcasts also works with international Broadcasters such as Canal +, RAI (Italy) and CTV (Canadian Television). Further information can be found at: www.bbcresources.com/ob

For further information, please contact:

Georgie Hollett, PR and Communications Executive, BBC Resources
Tel: +44 (0)20 8576 2350
Mobile : +44 (0) 783484 5612
Email : georgie.hollett@bbc.co.uk

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