BetBright offers glimpse into the future with robot jockey

BetBright has unveiled the world’s first robot jockey, who will be available for punters at Cheltenham Festival to view and interact with on Friday March 16, adjacent to the parade ring in the bookies activation area.

The prototype jockey, made from lightweight steel and utilising state of the art technology, “offers a glimpse into the potential future of the sport.”

Marcus Brennan, Chief Executive Officer of BetBright, said: “Just as BetBright is using the latest technology and AI to enhance our customers’ experience, it is clear that future advancements in technology and AI will open a world of new possibilities for enhancing the sports themselves for the fans.

“In just under three months we have been able to build a state of the art prototype of a Robot Jockey that can gallop on a horse, make fluid turns and even jump fences, it really is an incredible piece of technology.”

Capable of directing a horse to gallop at speeds in excess of 30 mph and jump fences up to 4ft high, the robotic jockey is also capable of communicating with humans through its artificial intelligence and build in voice.

Commissioned by BetBright following a report by Dr Pearson BSc DSc(hc), a belief was stated that robot jockeys “have the potential to compete with and even beat the best jockeys in the world” and that it “could be possible by 2025.”

Rich Ricci, Chairman of BetBright and racehorse owner himself, added: “I was genuinely impressed with what the team was able to create in just 3 months. I had expected RoboJockey to be able to ride but I never expected it to be able to jump fences or talk to me about upcoming races.

“It will be fascinating to see how robotics and AI continue to evolve and the impact it will have in multiple sports.”