BTW, here's a relevant thread in the Foo Forum from a few months ago. The OP went with the excellent Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 bridge camera, an excellent value in a reasonably fast 25-400mm/2.8 (equivalent) zoom with a 1-inch sensor. If I was looking for a bridge camera that's the one I'd get. Check out his photos from the dog track -- it's a capable action camera too.

But there are other good suggestions for more compact cameras including a couple of superzooms.