Racing NSW deputy chairman of stewards Marc Van Gestel has been working on the project for several months and a drone, operated by U Aviation, was used at a recent set of Rosehill barrier trials, delivering incredible results. Approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority is the main sticking point before the system can be introduced.

The helicopter shot used at carnivals gives a great indication where horses are in running and has sunk many jockeys' defence of careless riding charges. It has been too expensive to use at all meetings, however the drone makes it feasible to be introduced at every event.

"The camera in the drone is highest HD quality and can be time-coded like all the vision of races," Van Gestel said. "It is very clear and because it only flies 30 or 40 metres above the field it is actually a better shot than the chopper.

"The drone follows the field and the riders didn't even know it was there when we trialled it. The [overhead] shot is a great tool for stewards and if this works it could be used at country as well as city tracks and add to the safety of those meetings.

"We have to work with CASA and put in flight plans, which is the main part of the detail. We will continue to use it at barrier trials to make sure we are getting the right footage before using it on raceday."

Carnival launch

The ATC had a great concept for its carnival launch but the delivery was lacking.

The informal approach of the horse stalls worked with a good mix of carnival ambassadors, trainers, jockeys and stable representatives. However the presentation was disjointed.

There were problems in the lead-up with Brent Zerafa, a perfect choice to host the launch, unable to complete his duties as he is stood down from racing activities because of the inquiry he is facing in relation to the Sam Kavanagh saga.

It was noticed that ATC executive manager of racing Matt Rudolph was at the function. He is facing far more serious charges than Zerafa in his ongoing show-cause notice, including alleged dishonest, corrupt, improper and dishonourable conduct. Rudolph has denied any wrongdoing.

Zerafa will learn his fate early this week, while Sam Kavanagh's penalty hearing is on Thursday, along with John Camilleri, Mitchell Butterfield and Michael O'Loughlin.

Counsel for Flemington Equine Clinic's Tom Brennan and Aaron Corby have successfully applied to have their penalty hearing delayed until next week. Rudolph's fate won't be known until the end of the month.

Godolphin pair to improve

The benefit of fitness was there for all to see in the Chelmsford Stakes and Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes on Saturday. The trifectas in both races had a fitness edge, but don't give up Godolphin's guns Hartnell and Contributer, which can only improve into the spring.

The top coverage

The trio of television stations providing coverage of Saturday racing come with a trio of different betting companies. Sky Channel is, of course, owned by the TAB and Thoroughbred Central gives a good coverage of Randwick with Brisbane and Newcastle thrown in. Racing.com, channel 78, is linked to Crownbet and gives Melbourne a thorough cover. However, although the mounting yard is on delay and the betting updates aren't as slick, 7Two, which has William Hill in tow, gives the best overview of racing in the country from Sydney and Melbourne. Pity it only goes for a couple of hours.

Inkling success

It was great to see Peter and Paul Snowden's former smart sprinter Inkling win his American debut at Del Mar on Friday. Inkling, twice a listed placegetter at Randwick, bled in the Coolmore Stud Stakes on Derby day last year. He has been sent to America where he can race using anti-bleeding agent Lasix and was backed into favourite before an impressive first-up for trainer Wesley Ward.