Technology enhances Fonner experience
Grand Island, NE - March 5, 2011 - Computer and internet
technology has taken Fonner Park thoroughbred horse
racing to another level.
Now, through the marvels of satellite transmission, live video and audio streaming is available at fonnerpark.com, and local horse owner Monte Hehnke couldn’t be happier.
The 43-year-old co-owner of Jerry’s Sheet Metal, located here in Grand Island, was so ecstatic about the recent development that he hopped on as sole sponsor of this new medium to help offset expenses.
So, if you can’t make it to the track and take in Fonner racing in person, it’s just a click away on your cell phone or personal computer.
In addition, an archive of all races run at the meet is available as well.
“That’s huge,” says Hehnke. “It puts Fonner right up there with all the major tracks.”
He adds, “This will help sell local racing. The recognition gained by easy access for horsemen from around the country will spur interest through the claim box and could bring new stables and trainers to the state.”
Hehnke should know. He’s been studying video provided by other tracks, as much as two hours on a single horse, for the past 15 years.
“You can’t get this kind of knowledge at the track,” says the middle-aged horse enthusiast. “Troubled trips are so difficult to see in person.”
As a result of all this new-found technology, Hehnke has built a syndicate of owners, known as Seven Arms Stables, which currently has six horses in training at Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Ariz., and one horse at Fonner, Ya’ll Come Back, who will run in this Saturday’s Bold Accent Stakes, a $10,000-added four furlong event for older fillies and mares.
Hehnke isn’t bashful when discussing the success of this group, which includes Andrew Meier, Alan Usher, Mike Jakubowski, Brian and Tom Fausch and Tino Martinez.
“Last year we won 21 races (30 percent) and over $200,000 in purses,” Hehnke said. “And right now we are fifth in total wins down in Phoenix and seventh overall in money won.”
The information highway has proven to be a valuable tool for those who have adjusted to today’s world, but the new addition to the Fonner Website was not an overnight creation.
Simulcast coordinator Todd Otto sensed a strong desire by local race fans for live video streaming, and spent weeks on the phone with Roberts Communications, a nationwide satellite provider, to negotiate a deal.
In recent years, Otto has assembled a simulcast network outside Nebraska that has totaled up to 11 states and nearly 100 on-and-off track venues that have had the luxury of watching and wagering on Fonner racing.
TVG, one of two horse racing channels, signed on last year with limited Fonner coverage and more of the same should come to fruition this season.
But the internet is a whole new ballgame.
Monte Hehnke and the boys have come to play — in a big way.
Even my crazy imagination can’t conjure up what might be next.
Steve Anderson is track announcer at Fonner Park. The Independent
Now, through the marvels of satellite transmission, live video and audio streaming is available at fonnerpark.com, and local horse owner Monte Hehnke couldn’t be happier.
The 43-year-old co-owner of Jerry’s Sheet Metal, located here in Grand Island, was so ecstatic about the recent development that he hopped on as sole sponsor of this new medium to help offset expenses.
So, if you can’t make it to the track and take in Fonner racing in person, it’s just a click away on your cell phone or personal computer.
In addition, an archive of all races run at the meet is available as well.
“That’s huge,” says Hehnke. “It puts Fonner right up there with all the major tracks.”
He adds, “This will help sell local racing. The recognition gained by easy access for horsemen from around the country will spur interest through the claim box and could bring new stables and trainers to the state.”
Hehnke should know. He’s been studying video provided by other tracks, as much as two hours on a single horse, for the past 15 years.
“You can’t get this kind of knowledge at the track,” says the middle-aged horse enthusiast. “Troubled trips are so difficult to see in person.”
As a result of all this new-found technology, Hehnke has built a syndicate of owners, known as Seven Arms Stables, which currently has six horses in training at Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Ariz., and one horse at Fonner, Ya’ll Come Back, who will run in this Saturday’s Bold Accent Stakes, a $10,000-added four furlong event for older fillies and mares.
Hehnke isn’t bashful when discussing the success of this group, which includes Andrew Meier, Alan Usher, Mike Jakubowski, Brian and Tom Fausch and Tino Martinez.
“Last year we won 21 races (30 percent) and over $200,000 in purses,” Hehnke said. “And right now we are fifth in total wins down in Phoenix and seventh overall in money won.”
The information highway has proven to be a valuable tool for those who have adjusted to today’s world, but the new addition to the Fonner Website was not an overnight creation.
Simulcast coordinator Todd Otto sensed a strong desire by local race fans for live video streaming, and spent weeks on the phone with Roberts Communications, a nationwide satellite provider, to negotiate a deal.
In recent years, Otto has assembled a simulcast network outside Nebraska that has totaled up to 11 states and nearly 100 on-and-off track venues that have had the luxury of watching and wagering on Fonner racing.
TVG, one of two horse racing channels, signed on last year with limited Fonner coverage and more of the same should come to fruition this season.
But the internet is a whole new ballgame.
Monte Hehnke and the boys have come to play — in a big way.
Even my crazy imagination can’t conjure up what might be next.
Steve Anderson is track announcer at Fonner Park. The Independent