Leading online bookmaker sportsbet is delighted to announce the race of the century is coming to Australia – a handicap match race between Black Caviar and Usain Bolt which will see the winner crowned ‘sportsbet.com.au’s World’s Fastest Athlete’ and take home AUD$1,000,000!
The bookmaker had offered the AUD$1,000,000 winner-takes-all cash prize to entice the world’s fastest man and connections of the champion undefeated mare to what will be a unique and breathtaking encounter.
“This will be quite a unique event on the international sporting calendar and we’re delighted to announce that the race of the century is on!†sportsbet.com.au’s Haydn Lane said.
“Black Caviar’s connections agreed to the move a fortnight ago, which we’ve had to keep under wraps until now, and thankfully we received confirmation from Usain Bolt’s management overnight declaring that he too is up for the challenge.â€
The race will be run under handicap conditions. While Black Caviar will not be required to carry any extra weight other than her jockey, Luke Nolen, she will have to cover 200m from a ‘flying start’ in a faster time than Usain Bolt can run 100m from his starting blocks.
Bolt holds the 100m world record with a time of 9.58 seconds, while Black Caviar has reeled off 10.5 seconds 200m sectionals in recent runs while seemingly not trying her hardest.
“Nolen can ride Black Caviar as far as he likes to build up momentum, then as soon as she hits the 200m mark the starter’s gun will go off and Usain Bolt will take off from the 100m mark,†said Lane.
“Then it will be a spectacular and one-of-a-kind race to the famous Flemington winning post.â€
The race will take place later this year, at this stage most likely to be held at the Flemington Racecourse on Turnbull Stakes Day, Sunday, 2 October 2011, one day after the AFL Grand Final.
Further details on the race of the century will be announced in the coming weeks.
