Hydra Industries-owned Inspired Gaming, the leading worldwide provider of virtual sports, mobile games and SBG video lottery, announced an exclusive long-term partnership with Carm Productions and the Jockey Club. The deal will develop a suite of products based on the iconic Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, home of the Grand National steeplechase. Aintree will become the first racecourse in the UK to appear in daily horse races streamed to online and mobile players and broadcast into retail betting and gaming locations through Inspired’s international network of digital and land-based platforms.
In addition, Inspired will produce the first-ever Virtual Grand National steeplechase, featuring the declared runners and riders in any given year. Annually more than six hundred million people in 140 nations watch the “real” Grand National, which has become the most valuable jump race in Europe with a prize fund of $1.25 million.
Furthermore, some of the greatest horses that ever raced at Aintree over the past century will be recreated and race against each other for an annual Virtual Grand National Race of Champions. This event will be broadcast a few hours before the real Grand National steeplechase.
Inspired Chief Commercial Officer, Digital Games, Steve Rogers said, “Inspired’s virtual races are seen in over 50,000 outlets worldwide and have become a key part of sports betting globally. The introduction of the most famous course, Aintree, into this virtual world enables us to offer our customers a unique product which will clearly differentiate us from other providers in the sector. Seeing 41 virtual horses thundering around the famous Aintree course in Ultra HD with complete flexibility over camera positions promises to be something very special, and we are delighted to be a part of this collaborative project with Carm Productions and the Jockey Club.”
Aintree Racecourse Managing Director John Baker added, “The Race of Champions will capture the imagination of the millions of people who love the Grand National and it will allow them to pour over the form, the odds and the achievements of these exceptional horses of yesteryear at their peak and those of today. We found the opportunity to bring these greats back to life simply irresistible and I hope the Race of Champions and the Virtual Grand National will become a big feature in the build-up to the real races every year from 2017.”
Halewood International Deputy Chairman Peter Eaton stated, “The reaction to the concept races has been fabulous. I think Inspired have pulled out all the stops and produced a sensational delivery mechanism which uses the most sophisticated algorithms and 3D technology alongside high definition pictures of the actual Aintree course. I think broadcasters, bookmakers, punters and the millions who have a flutter every year will find this fascinating as it brings those wonderful names of the past back to life and will it resonate globally.”
