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Stride launches challenger platform to drive participation in horse racing ownership and wider fan engagement in the sport

Backed and developed by SportCaller founders, new syndication platform for racing outlines next-gen features and streamlined admin & comms from one responsive digital hub
Stride, the next-generation horse racing platform that truly democratises Flat racehorse syndication and deepens the ownership experience, has been launched to bring new levels in value and engagement for key stakeholders who represent the lifeblood of the sport.
Stride plans to become the premier racing communications platform that both centralises and optimises communications between syndicate owners and their respective horses, trainers, stable support staff, jockeys and racecourses. Its aim is to support, illuminate and enrich the experience of owning a thoroughbred on the journey from the purchase ring to the winner’s enclosure.
The Stride team brings together a host of familiar faces and heavy hitters from the domains of sport, racing, betting and fan-engagement technology for a clearer take on fractional ownership that delivers increased engagement against the backdrop of a progressively homogenised digital-management landscape for horse racing.
Cillian Barry and Eugene Cosgrove, founders of SportCaller – the market-leading free-to-play sports games supplier whose cornerstone clients and games were horse racing-focussed – take the reins as Chairman and Head of Product respectively, while veteran COO Donal Browne has been recruited to steward day-to-day business operations for a venture whose horses will initially be placed with Group 1-winning trainer Joseph O’Brien, whose talented string is housed at picturesque Piltown in County Kilkenny, Ireland.
However, Stride’s CEO and prime mover is former Munster and Leicester rugby star Johne Murphy, who has proven his equine and syndicate management muscle in recent years with the formation of both Rugby & Racing and Thoroughbred Racing Syndicates, the latter also attached to the O’Brien yard, whose successful track record for buying and selling equine talent and exploiting a primed bloodstock market created a dream foundation on which to build Stride’s subsequent flagship brand.
As an eloquent case in point, the business sold five of the six horses which were bought to race on the Flat in 2021 for close to seven figures, giving backers a 27% return on their investment. Stride is also part of the Techstars Sports Accelerator, a global network that assists entrepreneurial ventures in succeeding over the long-term. Founded in 2006, Techstars has now invested in more than 3,000 companies and today has a market cap of $75 billion.
Murphy continues in his multi-faceted role, also acting as Stride’s spokesperson and a passionate rudder for both thoroughbred and syndicate recruitment.
Murphy commented: “Stride is more than a responsive platform for buying and selling shares in elite-level racehorses. It’s also a way for racing to reconnect, engage and retain its most vital stakeholders: passionate owners who support the sport through times good and bad. Our fractional ownership model readily articulates the merits over micro-ownership and its associated cautionary tales, and also enables our members to choose a portfolio of racehorses that elevates enjoyment and mitigates downside at a challenging economic time across most sectors. Investors can now research, buy, manage and watch their stable of syndicated thoroughbreds at a fraction traditional ownership spends, with zero hidden costs or clawbacks. The price you pay for your share in the syndicate is the sole fee you’ll ever be asked for.
“But our unique Stride platform and its underpinning technology is also here to help owners seamlessly experience racehorse ownership at the click of a button, wherever their busy lives take them on the map. That can mean anything from what you’d expect in the simple joys of sharing the risk with friends and enjoying the raceday thrills and spills; to what you might not in the form of enhanced stable-engagement tools, or regular re-evaluations for profitable resale opportunities. No-one’s got a keener eye for acquiring and training top-class talent than Joseph, so we can’t wait to see how our first syndicated fare over the 2023 season ahead.”
“Stable visits and racecourse privileges are par for the course, alongside the clubbable craic with your family, mates and members. But it’s a long time between drinks in racing! And in racehorse ownership there should be so much more to enjoy, evaluate and benefit from experientially and analytically. Stride is the fluctuating portfolio you won’t want to put down – and the one your friends and colleagues actually want to hear about!”
Cillian Barry, Stride Chairman, added: “Having seen what Johne and Joseph achieved with their first round of syndicates, it’s a thrill to combine their passion and equine acumen for Stride with our own technical know-how around proprietary technology platforms and improved engagement. Eugene and I are already enjoying getting back to our shared first love of racing – remember, SportCaller was initially named RaceCaller!
“Stride’s next-generation informational and experiential platform already includes an array of management, administration and engagement features whose quality and variety set it apart from its rivals who have to date benefitted from a niche sector which has been slow to adopt transformative technology and the latest techniques in social engagement. We naturally aim to build on that over the coming 12 months, fostering a best-in-breed intuitive digital hub, whose array of audiovisual, editorial and data outputs will take members closer to the action than ever before. Whether your horse is fighting out a high-octane finish at the track or enjoying a well-deserved roll in the hay with the stable cat, we’ll capture and communicate it all.”
Stride’s unique operating model:
Stride purchases unraced yearlings and two-year-old breeze up horses in a price bracket from €25,000 – €150,000. This means Stride horses cover every maiden option in Ireland, facilitating multiple runners and accompanying racecourse engagements throughout the season, and granting syndicate members multiple selling points over the year. Stride typically sell shares in syndicates of between 2-6 horses. These syndicates are comprised of horses throughout the aforementioned price range. The intention is to sell within 12 months of purchase and profits returned to owners. While there are no fixed amounts for syndicate investment, a 5% investment in one syndicate would usually range from €5,000 to €50,000. The price you pay for your share in the syndicate is the only fee members pay.
The Stride platform’s features and tools include but are not limited to:
- Website, social media feeds & mobile app-centralised comms (soon to debut in the App Store)
- Syndicate management & updates (direct from both trainer and work riders)
- Yard tours and live stable-cams
- Profile pieces (from top trainers and jockeys to key stable staff)
- Gallops videos
- Racecourse workouts
- Equine interest videos (your horse, its education, its stablemates, unpacking their unique characters and idiosyncrasies)
- Equine welfare (tracking and ensuring your horse’s wellbeing)
- Easy-access group chat interaction and networking with other syndicate members
- Race preview and reviews
- Ratings, timings, form and results
- Early entries, declarations and race-shape criteria
- Up-to-the-second betting data and odds
- Live low-latency raceday streaming
- Breeding prospects / resale opportunities
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Latest News
QTech Games and Blueprint Gaming launch Jackpot Rapid Fire

Two industry forces combine their nous and creative flair for more innovation to enhance player engagement and deliver transparency for global operators
QTech Games, the leading game aggregator for emerging markets, has rolled out an innovative new progressive jackpot system, Jackpot Rapid Fire, in conjunction with renowned slots provider Blueprint Gaming.
Jackpot Rapid Fire is a high-frequency, multi-tiered progressive jackpot mechanic designed to improve player engagement and boost operator retention. With seamless integration across a growing suite of exciting games, Jackpot Rapid Fire offers more chances for players to win, while also ensuring transparency and flexibility for operators.
The inherent ability of jackpots to drive acquisition and retention is well-established across worldwide markets. However, this breakthrough innovation now aligns QTech’s pioneering platform and machine-learning software with a suite of progressive products which deliver reliable and credible winning triggers (at 5 tiers between $200-$7,500). All of which assists in building authenticity, trust and digital dwell-time with the end user.
These jackpots are amassed by players’ contributions into the same dedicated account and shared across all participating operators under QTech Games network. When the jackpot triggers, this dedicated account is then paid out by QTech Games, which is also underwriting the Jackpot Rapid Fire system on a monthly settling-up basis.
Key Features:
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5-tier progressive jackpot system: Mini, Minor, Major, Master, and Mega King ($200-$7,500)
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More frequent jackpot wins maintain player excitement
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Jackpots are randomly triggered when 5 fire symbols land on the reels, adding excitement and unpredictability
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Live contribution and win tracking via QTech Back Office
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Available exclusively on selected Blueprint Gaming Rapid Fire games
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Full access across all markets
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Product is available across both desktop and mobile channels
This game-changing, networked move from QTech Games also opens up further possibilities for both established and up-and-coming operators who can benefit from its pooled structure to pull up a chair at the progressive-jackpot table without the need for bottomless liquidity.
Intuitive back-office functionality for tracking and reporting allows partners to accurately unpack all jackpot details pertaining to contributions and payout values with platform-specific visibility (i.e. operators can only view their own data) while QTech’s unique API allows managers to effortlessly retrieve any jackpot ID, game or pools info, alongside real-time balances in any given currency. QTech Games is also delivering full marketing support – featuring assets, visuals and promotional ideas, tailored to operator campaigns.
Philip Doftvik, QTech Games’ CEO, said: “We’re excited to confirm that our new Jackpot Rapid Fire system is really turning players’ heads and keeping them coming back for repeat visits on a highly playable portfolio of dedicated titles from our friends at Blueprint Gaming. Operators large and small understand that progressive jackpots are one of the most effective marketing tools around, and now QTech and Blueprint’s unique system is taking the notional risk and administration out of jackpot provision.
“Our proprietary technology means we’re the only aggregator which is not just showcasing fantastic games but also adding engaging features (such as our AI-powered recommendation engine, alongside other Tournament and Jackpot elements) to illuminate QTech’s leadership position across emerging markets. Jackpot Rapid Fire represents just part of an innovative rewards tide that is helping to lift all boats.
“QTech Games is now so much more than just a leading aggregator, adding value and driving business at every consequential juncture. We’re confident this Jackpot Rapid Fire system will reliably boost acquisition and activity numbers for a wide variety of operators.
“It’s vital for operators and players to have that trust, and QTech’s accessible back office and dedicated Jackpot Dashboard deliver that peace of mind in spades, with a live view of jackpot balances, contributions and wins. While players also benefit from credible and regular winning jackpot triggers across a host of our participating games. It’s also important to remember that no operator participation fee is required and jackpot contributions do not impact GGR.”
The post QTech Games and Blueprint Gaming launch Jackpot Rapid Fire appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
GK8 Announces Football Legend Michael Owen as its New Brand Ambassador

GK8, Asia’s leading platform for interactive gaming and entertainment, has announced football legend Michael Owen as its new brand ambassador. With a reputation built on trust, security and a diverse range of gaming options, GK8 continues to expand its influence in the iGaming sector, and Owen’s partnership is set to bolster its position in the competitive industry.
Michael Owen, a former English football star known for his exceptional skills and quick pace on the field, brings his star power to the fast-growing brand. With years of success both on and off the pitch, Owen’s influence will help enhance GK8’s visibility across key international markets. The partnership marks a pivotal moment for the company, reflecting its ambition to continue expanding globally while maintaining its commitment to a high standard of user experience.
“It’s an honor to be working with such a dynamic and forward-thinking brand like GK8. Their dedication to creating a secure, engaging platform aligns perfectly with my values. I look forward to connecting with fans and players in Southeast Asia, sharing in the excitement and entertainment that GK8 offers,” said Michael Owen.
Founded with a vision to bring top-tier gaming experiences to Asia, GK8 has rapidly grown into a major force in the interactive gaming industry. The platform is recognised for its advanced security measures, seamless user interface and wide selection of games, including sports, lotteries and multiplayer online options. GK8’s unique approach to customer service has helped them build a loyal global community, with users praising its responsive support team and fast transactions.
The post GK8 Announces Football Legend Michael Owen as its New Brand Ambassador appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
AGCO
INCENTIVE GAMES SECURES ONTARIO GAMING LICENSE

Incentive Games, a leading B2B games provider, is proud to announce that it has been awarded an Ontario Gaming License by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), effective today. This achievement enables the company to offer its portfolio of real-money games to licensed operators and players across the province.
The license underscores the Incentive Games’ commitment to meeting the highest standards of compliance, security, and operational excellence. The rigorous application process demands robust security protocols and comprehensive responsible gaming measures and affirms the company’s readiness to enter one of Canada’s most dynamic iGaming markets.
The North American market is a strategic focus for Incentive Games, and this milestone follows closely on the heels of the company receiving its Provisional Michigan gaming licence from the Michigan Gaming Control Board earlier this month.
Incentive Games will distribute its real-money gaming content in Ontario through Incentive Studios, the company’s dedicated Real-Money Gaming division, ensuring a focused and tailored approach to the market.
“Ontario represents a huge opportunity for us, and securing this license is a proud moment for the whole team,” said John Gordon, Chief Executive Officer at Incentive Games. “It reinforces our dedication to meeting the highest standards while delivering compelling real-money content. We’re looking forward to building strong relationships in the region and continuing our momentum across regulated markets worldwide.”
The post INCENTIVE GAMES SECURES ONTARIO GAMING LICENSE appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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