Austalian-based animator Pineapplehead has signed a deal with the Ten Network for a 'virtual' broadcast of the high profile Melbourne Cup on November 7.
Using virtual reality, the technology will give punters a flying start by predicting the race result using animated software. "We've developed the technology that assesses a race and comes up with a likely scenario," Managing Director of Pineapplehead Evan Kourambas said.
The virtual reality software surveys the course contours, the pits of the racecourse, the starting gate position and the inside rail.
It also assesses the weather conditions and the historical form of the horse, taking into account all factors professional punters consider when placing a bet.
According to Kourambas, the software allows viewers to see the racecourse in a three-dimensional image, rather than the two-dimensional picture television cameras capture.
"Before the race starts, professional punters walk around the track assessing how hard the ground is and check for slippery spots, they assess not only how the horse will perform but how the track will perform," Kourambas said.
"Trying to place a bet at the TAB is as complicated as buying shares on the stock exchange. We're just trying to simplify it," Kourambas said.
According to Kourambas, the world-wide audience for the Melbourne Cup is expected to be 100 million people.
The contract covers the Ten Network's coverage of four major Flemington race meetings - including Oaks Day and Derby Day.
There is also a downloadable PC version of the software at www.pineapplehead.com.au, which can assess every race in Australia using historical horse forms and algorithms.
The deal follows on quickly from the virtual system adopted by the Nine Network for its racing broadcasts in early October.
