VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/210782433/21e4c68d86
ACTUAL RACE: https://vimeo.com/210234731/b9c8c6e4a9
NEWS COPY
A bookmaker has staged the world’s first seahorse race - and analysts are predicting the new ‘equine-aquatic’ sport could boost the betting industry by £5 MILLION.
Footage of the successful seahorse race has been released today by Paddy Power who announced they will be sponsoring the sport.
The bookmakers promise to “take sports betting and entertainment to new depths with all the excitement of horseracing - but underwater.”
The new sport follows five years of research and is a result of the bookmaker aiming to diversify its betting market offerings beyond sports like football and horse racing.
With the Grand National just around the corner the bookie believes seahorse racing will eventually reach the same levels of popularity as horse racing’s flagship event.
The races will be filmed at specially designed aquariums and Paddy Power is planning to start streaming the races on its website and in its stores in the near future.
Stephen McMeel, New Product Researcher at Paddy Power said: “Seahorse racing features all the thrills of normal horse racing, but underwater.
“It’s been an amazing journey and we’ve learned that seahorse behaviour mirrors that of their above-water equine counterparts.
“Despite initial challenges with training we’ve found them to be one of the most competitive species on the planet. We think our customers will love it.”
Another spokesman for the bookmakers, whose name happens to be Paddy Power, said: “It’s one of those ideas that’ll sink or swim but we’re delighted to be the first sponsor to take the plunge.
“The little blighters are tough to train and their tiny saddles keeping falling off but I reckon we’ve backed a winner.”
Betting on live streamed seahorse races will be available to watch via www.paddypower.com
ENDS
