The use of drones suspended in Britain
The use of drones on British racecourses has been suspended indefinitely following an incident at Newmarket.
Frankie Dettori raised concerns after he was dumped from Oh So Terrible before a race on Thursday.
The Wesley Ward-trained filly subsequently got loose and was withdrawn.
Dettori said he heard the drone at the same time Oh So Terrible reared and collided with the rail.
Ryan Moore, who rode the unplaced Believable, said the sound of the drone was “very noticeable”.
RaceTech were responsible for the drone, which was being used to provide overhead shots, and the pilot said in an inquiry he had adhered to the guidelines agreed by the British Horseracing Authority.
“The concerns raised at Newmarket clearly needed to be taken seriously,” BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey said.
“While the testing procedures for the introduction of drones have been rigorous….it is still relatively new technology and we must show caution with its use if issues have been raised.
“The RaceTech drone has been used regularly over the past 14 months.
“The requirements for the drone are that is must fly at a minimum height of 30 metres and 30 metres away from the track laterally, then to follow the field from the side and behind the horses and not directly over the track.”