Ascot Racecourse has unveiled details of its virtual owner experience for next week's Royal Ascot meeting behind closed doors. The racecourse has launched a Racing Hub that will house the Turftrax live feed to real time weather data and going stick readings, access to a 360 degree parade ring camera feed and full sectionals from each race.
Ascot's official photographer will photograph every horse in the parade ring. Owners will receive a pair of traditional printed Royal Ascot racecards in advance of racedays, personalised with the name of their horse. Full racecards will also be digitally produced on the Racing Hub. Included with the posted racecards will be souvenir “Royal Ascot At Home” owners badges. Trophies will be sent to winning owners after the event along with mementoes for winning trainers and jockeys.
Nick Smith, director of racing and public affairs at Ascot, said, “Whilst the ultimate experience of being at Royal Ascot sadly isn't possible this year, we hope that what we are planning will make ownership at home as special as possible. We are particularly pleased to be able to provide owners with a feed to the parade ring, and to be housing all the data that all horsemen need from real time weather and going reports to post race sectionals in one, convenient place. We are very conscious of the loyalty and commitment to the sport that owners have shown over the past months and when permitted, of course they will be the first constituents welcomed back to Ascot.”
Charlie Liverton, chief executive of the Racehorse Owners' Association, added, “I am thrilled that Royal Ascot and the ROA have been able to put together some fantastic initiatives that help to bring the magic of Royal Ascot home. They have gone to extraordinary lengths to bring owners virtually in to the paddock, to speak with their trainers and jockeys and receive special behind the scenes access, along with personalised racecards for all those with a horse running. As ever, it will never replicate being able to attend in person, but rest assured we are working hard with the BHA and racecourses to get owners back on course as a priority.”
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