Bosses at Cheltenham Racecourse have declined to speculate on reports that plans have been put in place to hire a specialist company to combat the threat of drones at next month’s National Hunt festival.
Thousands of Irish racing fans - including many from Co Kildare - will travel to the annual event.
Several Kildare-based trainers, jockeys and stable staff will be attending.
Drones have been spotted at several tracks around the UK, reportedly in order to send live footage of races to in-running gamblers around the world seeking an time advantage of several seconds ahead of the broadcast coverage.
Extra aerial traffic is an obvious potential safety and security concern at high-profile meetings such as the spring festivals at Cheltenham and Aintree – another Jockey Club track.
A spokesperson for Cheltenham referenced that consideration, while pointing out course policy to offer no further comment on the issue.
A brief statement read: “We don’t disclose the details of our security plans as part of ensuring we deliver safe and enjoyable events.”
An existing exclusion zone is to be extended up to three miles as of March 13th.
That measure will apply to Cheltenham too, because the course is licensed for helicopter arrivals and departures for owners, trainers and jockeys.
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