Woodbine Gives Fans New Horse Racing Simulator

Woodbine Entertainment has been erring on the innovative side this year. The company, which hosts some of the most prestigious horse races in Canada, recently announced plans to implement a new whipping rule for jockeys. And, while they await an outcome as tests are carried out, fans can enjoy a novel animated horse racing simulator.

The game was unveiled last month and is called the Turf Cup simulator. It is described as an avenue that leverages industry-leading technology to give fans a first-hand taste of what it's really like to be a jockey on the track.

Toronto Raptors star Norman Powell was one of the first persons to sample the Turf Cup, showing his off-court skill against the likes of jockeys Rafael Hernandez and Eurico da Silva at the Woodbine track last month.

Powell was recently crowned NBA champion with the Raptors, having been a key part of what was surely the most exciting campaign Toronto's ever seen. But the Raptors are currently undergoing a rebuild as Kawhi Leonard has since departed for Los Angeles, where he signed with the Clippers, while Danny Green has joined the Lakers.

The above did not stop Norm Pow from having fun. The 26-year-old was named guest drawmaster at the post position draw for the $1 million Ricoh Woodbine early last month and got to check the simulator out on the day.

The game will be at the Woodbine Racetrack every weekend so fans will get an opportunity to play jockey and not just watch races.

The Turf Cup is said to "deliver an exciting and exhilarating jockey experience." It was designed and constructed in partnership with Australian company Catalyst VR and is the first of its kind in Canada. OLG and Pepsi are on board as presenting sponsors of the simulator and offer fans...