Background
Aintree Racecourse, home to the world-famous Grand National, required a security system capable of safeguarding large crowds, protecting sensitive areas, and ensuring the welfare of jockeys and horses. With thousands of visitors on race days and a vast site to manage, the venue needed a solution that could provide complete coverage and support real-time incident response. Dahua Technology, a global leader in video surveillance and IoT solutions, was selected to deliver a system that would meet these complex operational requirements.
Solution
Dahua worked closely with the racecourse’s security team to design and implement a tailored surveillance system. The project was built around Dahua’s DSS Pro Video Management Software, which allows centralised control and monitoring across all areas of the venue. High-performance SD5 Series PTZ cameras, including the SD5A425GB-HNR 4MP 25x Starlight IR WizSense Network PTZ Camera, were installed to provide flexible, long-range coverage of key locations.
These PTZ cameras feature advanced Starlight technology for improved low-light performance, a powerful 25x optical zoom for detailed viewing, reliable Auto-tracking 3.0 to follow moving subjects and deep-learning-based perimeter protection for enhanced threat detection.
Together, the PTZ and fixed-focal cameras ensure both wide-area coverage and close-up detail, giving security staff a complete and uninterrupted overview of the racecourse at all times. This combination allows operators to monitor busy crowd areas, entrances, and sensitive locations with precision, significantly improving overall situational awareness.
The installation team faced a number of challenges. Accessing all internal and external areas of the racecourse required detailed planning due to the site’s size and complexity. There were also initial issues with faulty products and stock shortages, but these were resolved quickly with replacement units supplied to maintain the project schedule.
Result
The completed system now provides Aintree Racecourse with comprehensive internal and external coverage, enhancing security and safety for attendees, employees, jockeys and horses. The new infrastructure has improved operational efficiency by streamlining monitoring and enabling quicker responses to incidents, while also acting as a visible deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour.
The objectives for the installation were clear: “Crowd Management, Crowd Safety, Crowd Security, Jockey and Horse Security and Safety.” – Phil Dundon, TEKSAFE SITE SOLUTIONS. The racecourse now benefits from “full coverage of the internal and external areas”, which provides improved security and “safety of the crowd and employees.”
The Jockey Club is now benefitting from a future-proof surveillance solution that meets the demanding requirements of one of the UK’s most prestigious sporting venues and strengthens confidence in its day-to-day operations.
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Visit dahuasecurity.com/uk or contact us at [email protected] to learn more.
