Virtually every segment of the horse racing industry is trying its best to figure out how to engage and captivate potential customers – how to show them the thrill and exhilaration of live racing. Racing and wagering officials were recently allowed to view a live stream of a racer’s perspective during a pari-mutuel race, and the experience was almost second to none.

In October, Eyelive Media demonstrated a ‘live’ and immersive 360° VR horse race, which was streamed live from a jockey’s point-of-view at Woodbine Racetrack. The race was streamed via a custom track set-up and an application that is being developed by Eyelive Media. The stream was received by Woodbine, Eyelive and PMU executives who ‘experienced’ the ride via smart phones, tablets, computers and VR headsets.

Top female jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson was the first professional competitor in the world to stream live from the athlete's perspective during a sanctioned event, according to a release from Eyelive Media. Eyelive has also released similar footage of Wilson riding in a race at Woodbine in December of 2016 (the footage appears below).

“We believe this new experience will change the game for horseracing worldwide, and attract millions of new fans to the sport,” Eyelive Media CEO David Baker has said. “Who wouldn’t want to safely ride in the ‘jockey’ seat? The view is unbelievable.”

(With files from Eyelive Media)