Elliott backs virtual racing business Leading Irish trainer Gordon Elliott believes a new virtual racing start-up will be a big winner for tracks, and the future of the sport. The County Meath-based trainer has become a shareholder in Virtual Software Limited, the Isle of Man-based firm behind Virtual Live Racing, whose chairman is online betting pioneer and racehorse owner Vincent Caldwell. Caldwell, originally from Northern Ireland, was the founder of one of the first online betting sites Betinternet in the early 2000s. Gordon Elliott commented: “Vincent Caldwell and I have enjoyed winners for the last 4 seasons. Vincent is passionate about Irish racing and works tirelessly like we all do in this industry without complaint as we are lucky enough to work in an industry we love. His focus of wanting to excel and win, just like myself, is what sparked my interest in his new venture Virtual Live Racing (VLR). Vincent’s goal is to give back to racing so that it will flourish for the next generation. By creating virtual replicas of real racetracks Virtual Live Racing’s software, creates a much needed new revenue stream for racetracks and wagering operators. The software helps promote and build future demand in our beautiful sport. Vincent has created a little bit of racing history here and I am happy to back a winner with Vincent and Virtual Live Racing.” Vincent Caldwell said: “It’s fantastic to have Gordon on board. He shares VLR’s vision which sees virtual racing as an innovation that has a vital role to play in the future success of the racing industry. The respect and status that Gordon has in the sport, combined with his business knowledge, is a major boost in our drive to support a future proof, sustainable, business model for the racing industry in Ireland, UK, and internationally.” Virtual Live Racing builds digital replicas of existing racecourses and uses historical race cards and results from those courses to power a virtual horse racing product. The company has linked up with a number of racecourses in America and is now looking to expand the business into both the UK and Ireland.
