NYRA introduces 360 degree virtual reality camera in Saratoga paddock

by NYRA Press Office

The New York Racing Association announced today that they have placed a cutting-edge 360 degree virtual reality camera in the Saratoga Race Course Paddock. The camera is available for live viewing using the NYRA Now app or online at NYRA.com.

NYRA Now users on iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets can launch the new camera from the Race Day Live screen, and then control their live viewing experience by simply moving around their device. Additionally, users can insert their iPhones or Android phones into VR devices to experience the Saratoga paddock.

The 360 degree virtual reality experience is also available on NYRA.com's Race Day Live page.

"We are thrilled to offer this unique, first-in-industry viewing experience," said Dan Silver, NYRA's senior director of TV. "No matter where someone is located, they can experience what it's like to be in the historic Saratoga paddock while horses are being saddled, whether it’s a maiden race or a Grade 1. It’s the latest in a long line of features that make NYRA Now the most comprehensive video streaming app in horse racing."

The 360 degree virtual reality camera will also be available during live racing at Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack. 

The NYRA Now app is the most widely available video streaming application in the horse racing industry and is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Chromecast. It is expected to launch on Xbox One and PS4 later this year.

Viewers can also access NYRA Now through the new NYRA XP app, which enables fans to personalize and navigate their on-track experience through mobile device. Fans who download NYRA XP will also be able to learn about upcoming events, purchase tickets, find their seat location, and wager through NYRA Bets. 

Setting the industry standard in presenting thoroughbred racing, NYRA Now provides all live racing content from a slew of customizable camera angles, as well as offering a vast-and-growing library of on-demand content, encompassing race replays, historical pieces and in-depth analysis. This repository can also be utilized to access jockey and trainer profiles and expert analysis.

Live race calls are always accessible in both English and Spanish at all three NYRA tracks, with expanded racing analysis in Spanish available as well. Talking Horses, NYRA's handicapping show, is also available for replay on the app shortly after the completion of the live show. Users can view analysis on a race-by-race basis and also see handicapper's selections for the day via NYRA Now.

The app also allows users to select high definition replays for all NYRA races dating to April 2016. Replays available with the pan and head-on views and are searchable using a user-friendly calendar display, and the page also shows results for recent NYRA races.