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If you've ever dreamed of owning a racehorse, but found it all
a bit too expensive, virtual horse racing is just what you've been
waiting for.
Through the power of the Internet the "Sport of Kings"
has entered a new era where you can experience the excitement of
owning, training and hopefully watching your own virtual horse race
to victory.
The two main virtual horse racing sites are Raceclubs
and Digiturf.
Originally they were setup by two separate companies, but both used
the same technology, so it made sense for the two companies to merge.
They're still run as separate web sites with Raceclubs
having a more UK feel, with championship races such as the Derby,
Oaks, Queen Elizabeth and King George classics. While Digiturf
adopts a US feel with the Saratoga Sprint, Kentucky Derby, Old Triple
Crown Classic and Arlington Gold Cup.
To make things easier we'll just refer to Raceclubs
throughout this site. However the game play is essentially the same,
as is the prize money, cost of purchasing a horse and tack products,
so the majority will also apply to Digiturf.
What Is Virtual Horse Racing
You are in charge of your own virtual horse racing stable. You
can own just one virtual race horse, or you could buy hundreds.
It depends on how much time you've got to play the game and money
to spend.
You design your own racing silks, which the jockey will wear whenever
one of your horses race.
Each virtual horse has it's own unique pedigree. You use time trials
to get your horse fit and, assess it's ability. Find out if it prefers
racing over longer distances or sprints and whether it prefers running
on a dirt track or turf.
There are also a number of products you can apply to your horse
to enhance it's performance. You can get alumites (racing shoes),
blinkers and vitamins to make it run faster and if you have a colt
you may find gelding it concentrates it's mind on racing.
 You
nominate your horses to race against horses trained by other owners.
Races are viewed using an enhanced race viewer, which provides
excellent graphics of the horses racing.
The racing may be virtual, but the prize money is for real. The
top horse on Raceclubs
has won over £13,000.
Raceclubs
has no vested interest in the outcome of races. The software and
race results are audited by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, so you can rest
assured race results are totally legitimate.
Raceclubs
is now in it's 21st season of virtual horse racing (each season
lasts 4 months). There is US$463,280 in sponsored stakes this
season.
Get Your First Virtual Horse Free
When you register as a new member on Raceclubs
you receive your first horse Free. See Get
A Free Virtual Race Horse. You can train the horse and enter
it into special Free Newbie races.
Once you've confirmed your details you'll receive an additional
$10 (£5.10) Bonus Credits added to your account.
Raceclubs
then offer two great bonus packages to new customers for 30 days from the date
of joining. With their Diamond package; deposit £15 and they
will give you 8 more Newbie horses and 8 more Free Newbie races each day, worth £75. Alternatively their Ruby package;
deposit £7 and they will give you 3 more Newbie horses and 3 more Free Newbie races per day, worth £28.
Visit Raceclubs
to become a virtual race horse owner
and next time it may be your horse celebrating in the winners enclosure.
The jockey celebrates victory
in the Racing-Index colours
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