The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and Creative Racing Solutions (CRS) have announced the launch of RaceQuest, a beginner friendly online handicapping application aimed at new and novice horseplayers that also synthesizes handicapping angles into a useful wagering tool for the experienced bettor.

By visiting NYRA.com and clicking on the RaceQuest banner on the right hand menu on the website, or by visiting www.racequest.net/NYRA, novices to experts will be introduced to a variety of new and exciting ways to master the art of handicapping:

• Take the Guided Tour – A free series of fast-paced lessons that will teach players the most important and proven handicapping factors, including race shape, speed figures, trainer and jockey statistics, class, and form. The lessons are taught by a team of interactive avatars, each with unique philosophies on how to handicap.
• Practice with Game Mode – Players can test their skills by making practice bets on historical races, watching the race replays, and viewing the results.
• Live Mode – Users can apply their knowledge by purchasing RaceQuest past performances to wager on future races through programs like NYRA Rewards. RaceQuest past performances are presented in an innovative format that will be valuable to novice horseplayers and seasoned handicappers alike.

“We are very pleased to partner with Creative Racing Solutions and offer RaceQuest for fans interested in learning more about how to handicap thoroughbred racing,” said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward. “By lowering the learning curve and offering fun and easy tools to educate new fans, RaceQuest enables beginners and novices to make informed decisions quickly and easily.”

About CRS

Creative Racing Solutions of Burlington, MA, the creators of RaceQuest, was founded by John Pavlov and David M. Ward. Ward was the primary architect and developer of the Daily Racing Form’s flagship software product, Formulator.

About NYRA

Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks through 2033, NYRA boasts a lineage that actually stretches back almost 150 years. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state’s thoroughbred business which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State’s urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2010, more than 1.6 million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totals more than $8.7 million. NYRA has a vast network of websites, including www.nyra.com, www.belmontstakes.com, and www.nyragroupsales.com. You can also follow NYRA on social media platforms Facebook, Flickr, Tumblr, Twitter, and YouTube.