News Releases

Thursday, April 12, 2001Contact: Bob Curran Jr. (212) 521-5326
Equibase, McKinnie Eliminate Dual Entry of Workout Data

Continuing to realize the benefits of centralized data management, as well as the natural synergy between the organizations, Equibase Company LLC and McKinnie Systems, Inc. announced today the consolidation of workout data collection activities, greatly reducing the dual entry of that information for racing personnel at tracks throughout North America.

According to Equibase executive vice president, operations, David Haydon, automated data feeds from the Company’s state-of-the-art field collection system, eBaseTM, will be integrated into McKinnie Systems racing office software, in use by more than 75 per cent of the racing offices in North America.

“eBase has revolutionized how the information which drives this industry on a daily basis is collected, processed and disseminated,” he said. “Integration of eBase workout data feeds into McKinnie software provides tracks with greater flexibility in the management of workout data, creating operating efficiencies through elimination of redundant data entry procedures for those tracks wanting to use workout data internally or for publication on their web site. This is a great next step in the overall process of streamlining the collection and management of information for the racing industry.”

McKinnie Systems president, David Ruffra, cited the efficiencies created by today’s announcement as confirmation of the industry benefits attainable through unanimity of purpose.

“Today’s announcement is additional evidence of the benefits that can be realized when companies come together to streamline the collection and management of racing’s data,” he said. “It made little sense for racetrack personnel to enter workout data in both systems so, in the best interests of our client tracks, we decided to discontinue our workout module and instead incorporate direct workout feeds from eBase into our current and future software offerings.”

eBaseTM, a browser-based computer system used primarily by Equibase chartcallers to enter race result data, provides direct access to the Company’s database of Official pedigree and racing information, greatly reducing processing and turnaround times.

Equibase Company LLC is a partnership of The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America (TRA) and serves as the industry’s official database for racing information and statistics. McKinnie Systems, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Jockey Club Information Systems, Inc. and is the software system vendor to more than 75 per cent of the racing offices in North America.