Affinity Interactive's Daily Racing Form Partners with Horseshoe Indianapolis to Launch Groundbreaking AI Handicapping Technology for 2025 Racing Season
Affinity Interactive, through its flagship brand, Daily Racing Form (DRF), is partnering with Horseshow Indianapolis Racing & Casino to introduce a cutting-edge suite of artificial intelligence and data-driven handicapping tools for the 2025 racing season. The collaboration will debut an industry-first virtual AI handicapper, "A.I. Alan", and expand DRF's leading-edge analytics, offering fans deeper insight and engagement throughout the meet.
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A pioneer in horse racing analytics since 1894, Daily Racing Form has been at the forefront of developing next-generation technology to betters. This latest partnership reflects DRF's continued evolution under Affinity Interactive, combining data science and proprietary content to deliver innovative wagering experiences across the sport.
"We are very excited to take this next step in horse racing with our new technology abilities and Horseshoe Indianapolis is a great place to unveil our new package," said Rich Rosa, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations for DRF. "We have been working closely with Eric Halstrom and his team in Indiana to perfect our graphics and information implemented into the racing production."
Building on the success of DRF's TimeformUS Pace Graphs and DRF Projected Odds—introduced at Horseshoe Indianapolis in 2024—the 2025 season will showcase a full suite of enhancements including: Runner and Race Profile Data, AI Generated Insights by DRF Statline, DRF Formulator Facts, and a custom digital website landing page dedicated to Horseshoe Indianapolis. These tools are designed to empower bettors with intuitive, actionable information, driving deeper engagement with every race.
"We could not be prouder to partner with DRF on this project," said Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. "We have worked closely with DRF to customize their offering to what we feel our customers need and will be most beneficial to them. I believe they will be so excited to have all of this added information right at their fingertips for every Thoroughbred race we run this year at Horseshoe Indianapolis."
One of the most anticipated additions to the new platform is A.I. Alan, a virtual on-air handicapper powered by DRF's proprietary artificial intelligence models. A.I. Alan will appear during daily simulcast coverage with auto-generated insights tailored specifically to Horseshoe Indianapolis races.
"A.I. Alan is our new on-air virtual handicapper," explained Halstrom. "He will be featured daily with auto generated facts from DRF's new AI data system. This information is specifically tailored to our racing product. We expect to have A.I. Alan fully functional by early June and his presence on our simulcasting program will be the first in the industry powered by AI."
To further celebrate the partnership, Daily Racing Form will serve as title sponsor of the Grade 3, $200,000 Indiana Oaks, taking place on Indiana Derby Day, Saturday, July 5. As Indiana's first-ever graded stakes race, the Oaks continues to attract top three-year-old fillies from across the country.
"Having DRF as the title sponsor of the Oaks adds so much validity to the race," observed Halstrom. "We feel their association with the Oaks will catapult exposure and accelerate the race into the next level of competition beginning in 2025."
The 23rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.
About Horseshoe Indianapolis
Horseshoe Indianapolis, owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:CZR), holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, racing, dining, and diversity. Located just minutes from Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Ind., this one-of-a-kind property has wall to wall excitement on the 105,940 square foot gaming floor, featuring more than 1,600 slots and 72 table games along with a state-of-the-art World Series of Poker Room containing 20 tables. In addition, Horseshoe Indianapolis offers the only live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the state showcased on a one-mile dirt racecourse and a seven-eighths mile turf course. Simulcast and sports wagering is offered year-round at Caesars Race & Sportsbook, also located on the casino floor, with additional gaming provided at Caesars Race & Sportsbook in Clarksville, Ind. Players can reap benefits from Caesars Rewards, the industry's most lucrative bonus program now offered at more than 50 destinations. Please visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis for more information and find Horseshoe Indianapolis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing at racetracks and 21 or older to gamble at sports books and casinos. Please play responsibly. If you think you or someone you care about may have a gambling problem, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (1-800-994-8448). ©2025 Caesars License Company, LLC.
About Affinity Interactive
Affinity Interactive is an omni-channel media, online, and gaming industry leader with an expanded suite of casino and online gaming offerings. Combining leading regional casinos in Nevada, Missouri and Iowa with advanced technology, digital and media platforms, and an online betting presence, Affinity Interactive has nearly 1 million combined customers and is positioned to capitalize on the continued momentum in sports betting and iGaming globally. Affinity Interactive companies also include: the iconic Daily Racing Form, "America's Turf Authority since 1894" for horse racing and sports enthusiasts throughout North America, one of America's fastest-growing online and mobile wagering platforms; and DRF Sports, which provides fans with exclusive up-to-date sports betting stats, insights and analysis on all major U.S. sports and leagues. For more information, please visit affinityinteractive.com and DRF.com.
Affinity Interactive is a portfolio company of ZCG Private Equity, the private equity fund arm of ZCG (www.zcg.com), a leading, privately held merchant bank comprised of private markets asset management, business consulting services, and technology development and solutions.
About Daily Racing Form
Founded in 1894, Daily Racing Form (DRF) is the most trusted source for premium horse racing data, news, and analysis. For over 130 years, DRF has provided horseplayers and industry professionals with exclusive past performances, expert handicapping insights, and real-time coverage of the sport. Today, DRF continues to evolve, delivering innovative digital products and AI-powered tools that enhance the horse racing experience for bettors of all levels.
As part of its expansion, DRF has entered the sports affiliate business, leveraging its multi-channel platform to connect sports bettors with leading sportsbook operators. By combining its deep expertise in horse racing analytics with a growing presence in the broader sports betting market, DRF remains at the forefront of the gaming industry. For more information, visit www.DRF.com.
About ZCG
ZCG is a leading, privately held global firm comprised of private markets asset management, business consulting services, and technology development and solutions.
For nearly three decades, ZCG has invested tens of billions of dollars in private equity and credit-related strategies, through multiple economic cycles and across many industries, including consumer products, steel, steel processors, agriculture, consumer food, gaming, hospitality, manufacturing, specialty services, and automotive.
ZCG's investors include prominent global sovereign wealth funds, endowments, pension funds, insurance companies, foundations, family offices, wealth management firms, and other financial institutions in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
ZCG has a global team comprised of approximately 400 professionals. The company is headquartered in New York, with affiliate offices located in Pune and Mumbai, India, and Riyadh, KSA. For more information, please visit www.zcg.com.
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