Light it up! LED advertising screens to be used on base of fences

LED advertising displays will be used on fences on British racecourses from October 1.

Trials of the LED displays, similar to those seen on football pitches, will take place before the intended launch date.

The screens will be static during races and when the runners head to post, while they will be battery powered, removing the risk of electrocution should there be a collision.

It is thought that the displays will provide greater exposure for marketeers with the capacity to switch between advertisers and sponsors for different races on a card.

Richard Linley, senior inspector of courses for the BHA, said: “LED displays are used widely in other sports and provide for a more modern appearance and greater flexibility for racecourses, which we hope will help them generate greater revenue from advertisement and sponsorship.

“The proposals have been tested extensively and received the support of racecourses and the participants who will be riding over the fences and whose horses will be competing in races.

"The displays are on the landing side of fences so will not affect participants and will be static during races, so the viewing experience for those watching the races will not be impacted.”

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com