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Twitter picks horse racing for its first global sports stream
Twitter has made a big deal out of streaming sports in the US, but anywhere else? Not so much, unless you count a Wimbledon experience that avoided showing the live games themselves. However, that's changing today. The social network has unveiled a deal with the Victoria Racing Club to livestream Australia's Melbourne Cup worldwide -- its first streaming partnership beyond the US. You can watch the horse racing on Twitter's website or its official apps. You may need to set an alarm if you live on the other side of the planet, though, as the pre-event coverage kicks off November 1st at 2:30PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time (11:30PM Eastern in the Americas).
This weekend's Kentucky Derby will be broadcast in VR
Television networks have already broadcast boxing, basketball and other sports live in VR. Heck, we've even stepped inside a soccer game. Virtual reality is becoming a regular part of live sports coverage, and that includes horse racing. NextVR and NBC are teaming up to stream his weekend's Kentucky Derby in VR for the first time. In fact, the duo says that this will be the first virtual reality broadcast for the sport of horse racing as a whole.
Google doodle gets animated to honor zoopraxiscope creator
Long before there was Flash animation in the world, Eadweard Muybridge gave us the Zoopraxiscope, a simple stop-motion device considered by some to be the first-ever movie projector. Created in 1879, the player features spinning glass disks that give displayed images the illusion of movement. Muybridge, born this day in 1830, photographed a galloping horse to help settle the question of whether all four of the animal's hooves leave the ground at the same time while galloping (they do), later animating the image via his new invention. That movement can be set in motion with a click on today's Google doodle.
Mitsubishi unveils latest Diamond Vision LED HD screens at Nakayama Racecourse
Just in time to remind us that immense LED HDTV screens aren't only in Texas, Mitsubishi has announced it's installation of (the likely less-problematic) Turf Vision 1 & 2 at Nakayama Racecourse. At around 4,000 square feet, the larger Turf Vision 1 isn't quite as daunting as the pair of screens hung at Cowboy Stadium or as long as previous world beater still residing at Tokyo Racecourse, but as you can see from the pictures, what other screen would be right to view footage beamed from that track to this one? These screens go live September 12,we'll save a few betting slips for you.
Whip it! Whip it good! Pocket Jockey for iPhone is spanktastic
When this app made it into the TUAW mailbox this afternoon, it raised a bit of a ruckus. You'll see why if you continue to the video in the second half of the post. Pocket Jockey (click opens iTunes) is a US$0.99 horse-racing game that can provide a workout while you play. You can race against friends or the iPhone three different ways: Jump up and down while holding the iPhone in front of your face, then "whip" your horse by flicking the screen. Bouncing your legs like you're on the back of a horse after putting the iPhone in your back pocket. You can, ahem, whip the horse by spanking yourself. Tap the screen, and whip the horse by flicking the screen. Multiplayer mode works with another player who is on the same WiFi network. Be sure to watch the video to get a feel for how the app works; TUAW is not responsible for injuries incurred while playing this game (or, for that matter, ridicule incurred). There's no word on whether or not you can help your opponent's horse run faster by spanking her or him. We leave this as an exercise to the reader.
Churchill Downs launches HD simulcast next season
Next time you head to the track, whether at Churchill Downs or "select off-track betting locations and racetracks" expect a clearer look at the action, with more than 100 HDTVs installed in several areas and a 16:9 high definition simulcast, the first racetrack in the U.S. to do so. Of course that still doesn't compare to a Japanese racetrack that once upon a time boasted the biggest HDTV, and while it will probably make raceday more exciting when the 2008 Fall Meet kicks off October 26, explaining how you lost the car payment on a "sure thing" isn't any easier in HD.[Via Courier-Journal]
Dart-shooting contraption uncovered at Hong Kong horse racing track
It looks like some horses at Hong Kong's Happy Valley Racecourse narrowly averted a nasty surprise at the starting gate last week, after an elaborate remote-controlled device was discovered buried in the track prior to the start of last Wednesday's race. According to The New York Times, the contraption was rigged to shoot a dozen liquid-filled darts into the horses as they left the gate, although officials have apparently yet to determine exactly what the liquid consisted of. They're also not sure of the motivation of whoever is responsible for the device, although the speculation seems to be that it was an attempt to fix the race. Those with knowledge of the foiled plot could be in for even bigger winnings, however, with police now offering a $128,000 reward for anyone with information leading to an arrest.
DS soon to be playing the ponies
Love horse racing sims? Dying for one on the DS? Winner's Circle is coming soon, and there are some new screens and Famitsu scans available for your viewing pleasure. In Winner's Circle, players do it all, from raising their horses and training to taking the reins as the jockey. There are three races in which would-be pros can test their mettle. Looks like this one is Japan only for now, but they've been bringing over some unexpected titles. Maybe this one will see a release outside of Japan.Scans after the jump.
