Harness Racing Australia is set to shine a light on its drivers across the nation.
In conjunction with RISE and Racing Queensland, HRA will unveil its new driver profiles from today.
Similar to player profiles seen across other sporting organisations’ digital platforms, the new profiles include in-depth statistical breakdowns, as well as images and biographical information.
Each profile displays multiple interactive pie graphs, which visually display a driver’s strike rate for the season, as well as at specific tracks.
There will also be a table of upcoming and recent drives, which includes a breakdown when paired with each horse, as well as win and place strike rates.
The upcoming and recent drive summaries interact with the existing features on Harness.org.au, with links through to upcoming meetings, fields, form guides and premiership standings.
Finally, a season-by-season and career statistical summary will be on display for each driver taking part in the initiative.
“The new driver profiles are just another example of exciting innovation that the harness racing code has launched over the last 12 months,” HRA CEO Andrew Kelly said.
“With Racing Queensland set to launch drivers’ colours, the new profiles on Harness.org.au will complement the trial, providing punters and participants with real-time data to enhance engagement and arm consumers with further critical information.
“We expect it to be well-received across the industry going forward.”
RISE Head of Digital Products, Charles Tabone expects the next phase of the project will see similar profiles added for trainers.
“Driver profiles are in perfect alignment with our mission – to marry technology and data to drive the success of Harness Racing in Australia. We were proud to play our part in delivering this project and look forward to bringing more data insights directly to fans of the sport through Harness.org.au and other products.”
The drivers’ colours initiative will be launched at Albion Park this Saturday night, with six of the state’s highest profile drivers sporting unique colours with an aim of attracting new fans to the code.
The six drivers are Brendan Barnes, Matt Elkins, Angus Garrard, Narissa McMullen, Pete McMullen and Kylie Rasmussen.
The initiative has seen brands developed to showcase each driver, along with tailored silks, wheels and helmets to make them readily identifiable for audiences both on the screen and at the track.
“Queensland has been at the forefront of innovation within the industry, led by the introduction of Trot Rods, driver-cam footage, and now drivers’ colours,” RQ Executive General Manager Operations Adam Wallish said.
“We are working with our wagering partners to offer unique products around the initiative, and the new driver profiles form a part of that strategy to deliver consumers previously unavailable statistical breakdowns.
“The drivers’ colours initiative aims to connect fans to our drivers in a similar vein to how they look at other sporting stars across the country, and the driver profiles are just one facet in achieving that objective.”
