Virtual eSports specialists, the Nasdaq INSE listed Inspired are to have their virtual Kentucky Derby event which takes place on the 2nd May, televised by NBC. With the announcement that ‘The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown’ for Churchill Downs Racetrack’s nationwide virtual ‘Kentucky Derby at Home’ party to be televised on NBC on May 2 from 3:00 -6:00 p.m. EDT.
During the broadcast, Derby fans will witness Inspired’s ultra-realistic 3D CGI representation of the Kentucky Derby featuring the 13 Triple Crown winners from the past century in an ultimate face-off. Viewers will get to experience the magic of the Derby with a stunning, fully accurate re-creation of the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs and the atmosphere of Derby Day on the first Saturday in May.
‘The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown’ is a computer-simulated version of a race at Churchill Downs Racetrack. Historical information about these horses and their racing records has been utilized in the software, which helps to determine the probability of their potential finishing positions. This probability is based on their past form and performance in other races.
“We are very excited about this opportunity to showcase our Virtual Sports on a much larger scale in the U.S.,” said Brooks Pierce, President and Chief Operating Officer of Inspired. “Churchill Downs is the world’s most legendary racetrack and the Kentucky Derby is the premier event in horse racing. We are honored to be a part of this special tradition and support Churchill Downs in this endeavor, as we work together to help fill the gap of live sports and bring people together for some relief during these difficult times.”
Fans will be able to visit www.KentuckyDerby.com to choose their favorite horse to win and join Churchill Downs in making a charitable donation to COVID-19 emergency relief efforts, which the Churchill Downs Foundation will match up to $1 million dollars. Inspired will also be making a contribution.
Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, said, “Our fans will be captivated by the realistic view of the virtual race and we can debate, as we do each year, our favorite to win. The anticipation of which Triple Crown winner will emerge as the ultimate champion is thrilling, but most importantly, we are proud to use this platform as a force for good by raising money for the COVID-19 emergency initiatives.”
Join the virtual party by posting your home Derby Party experience using #KyDerbyAtHome on Saturday, May 2, and follow @KentuckyDerby on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on the first Saturday in May to engage with a full day of exciting content and other at home Derby parties from around the world.
As the pioneer of Virtual Sports, Inspired has recreated the action of the world’s most popular sports for more than 15 years. Inspired has famously created the Virtual Grand National, which pits the 40 horses and riders most likely to run in the Grand National and has proven to be incredibly accurate in predicting the results of the actual race since 2017. This year the Virtual Grand National was held in place of the Grand National and attracted 4.8 million viewers, proving Virtual Sports are realistic enough to take center stage.
“During these unprecedented times, Virtual Sports have become a great way for fans to stay connected to their favorite sports with one of the 14 different sports we offer to our customers,” Pierce continued. “We see this as a great way to provide new content and revenue streams for gaming operators that can be easily integrated into existing sportsbooks and websites.”
