CourseTrack, the live in-race timing information system and official timing partner to Racecourse Media Group (RMG), has appointed Chris Murtagh as Managing Director.
Murtagh joined CourseTrack in 2015 as Operations Director and steps into the role following the transition of outgoing Managing Director Dave Tharp, who will move away from day-to-day leadership while remaining involved as a Director.
CourseTrack’s solution uses lightweight GPS trackers carried by racehorses within the saddlecloth, delivering real-time in-race timing and performance data. The system supports races across 60 racecourses in the UK and Ireland, providing broadcast partners including ITV, Racing TV and RTÉ with live metrics such as race clock, leader speed, time per furlong and distance to finish. 
Commenting on the appointment, Chris Murtagh said: “I am delighted to be stepping into the Managing Director role at CourseTrack and would like to thank Dave Tharp for his success in growing the company to where it is today. The company is built on a hardworking operations team delivering a slick service at over 1,000 fixtures a year, whilst a tech team has ensured that at regular intervals, we are deploying improved firmware and software upgrades to the product.
“The next step for CourseTrack is to continue to deliver a robust service to our current customers; to evolve the technology, and to grow the business into new territories. We are also delighted to welcome Simon Kirk back to CourseTrack as Operations Manager to help achieve this.”
CourseTrack’s in-race data is used to support in-running betting across 10 UK bookmakers and underpins Race IQ, an analytics product that brings live tracking insights to broadcast and social channels. Beyond wagering and media, the data also supports wider racing applications including handicapping and equine welfare monitoring.
The system is deployed across major fixtures including the Randox Grand National, Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, Betfred Derby, Juddmonte International, Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes. CourseTrack also utilises RTK technology to deliver sub-10cm tracking accuracy, enhancing the live experience for fans, broadcasters and betting operators.
Murtagh brings a broad sports and digital delivery background to the Managing Director position, having previously played professional cricket for Surrey CCC and Shropshire CCC before moving into project management roles across sports participation and digital product builds.
