Carnival of Cups customers across New South Wales have moved from the stands to the sulky, thanks to a state-of-the-art running simulator that has traveled to every stop of the series this season.
The state-of-the-art simulator was a standout activation at every Carnival of Cups meeting, giving participants the rare opportunity to sit behind a virtual standard race and experience the thrill of driving in a racing environment.
From families and first-time racers to long-time fans of the sport, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with lines forming as soon as the gates open at each venue as customers test their skills on the reins.
Harness Racing NSW Education and Welfare Manager Maurice Logue said the simulator added a new dimension to the on-track experience.
“The racing simulator has been an excellent addition to our Carnival of Cups meetings,” said Mr Logue.
“It’s one thing to see these athletes in action from the gate, but it’s another thing to sit behind a horse and feel the coordination, balance and decision-making required.”
Developed after extensive consultation with a group of experts, including leading NSW racer Darren Binskin, the simulator has been carefully designed to replicate the physical and tactical demands of racing.
Binskin’s input ensured that the experience was as authentic as possible – from the feel of the reins and the riding position in the sulky, to the split-second judgment required in a competitive field.
Logue said collaboration was key to the simulator’s success.
“We have worked closely with Darren during development to ensure the simulator truly reflects what our drivers experience during a race,” said Mr Logue.
“The feedback we have received from participants has been fantastic. Many have gained a newfound appreciation for the skill and athleticism involved in harness racing.”
At each Carnival of Cups stop, competitors could select a racing scenario and test their ability to balance speed and control. They quickly learned that driving a Standardbred at full speed requires much more than just hanging on.
Visitors will have the opportunity to don the colors of some of the sporting champions of the past, from the legendary Hondo Grattan and Paleface Adios to modern-day greats such as King of Swing.
For younger customers in particular, the simulator has served as both entertainment and education, providing a practical introduction to the sport and, in some cases, inspiring future ambitions in the sulky.
“It was great to see teenagers and adults alike queuing up to try it,” Mr Logue said.
“Engagement is a big part of what Carnival of Cups is about. We want people to connect with the sport, and the simulator gives them a real, memorable experience they can’t get anywhere else.”
As the Carnival of Cups series enters the final leg of the schedule at Penrith Paceway on March 20, the racing simulator continues to be an attraction that brings fans closer to the action and reinforces Harness Racing NSW’s commitment to innovation and fan engagement.
For those who have yet to take control, the message is simple: get into the sulky and experience the race from the driver’s seat.
The Carnival of Cups at Penrith Paceway is free to enter for everyone. On track, the Brad Hewitt-trained and driven Captains Knock will look to continue his unbeaten run in feature races and secure a million dollar bonus if he can win the time-honored Renshaw Cup.
As with any Carnival of Cups event, there will be entertainment for all ages, with Australian music stars Eskimo Joe, Baby Animals and Chocolate Starfish starring on the trackside festival stage.
Carnival of Cups is free to attend, but you must register in advance for a free ticket. To secure your ticket, visit www.carnivalofcups.com.au
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