The race sequence is now in a state to be shown so here is a movie detailing a few races (below). Everything is widescreen mode.

As mentioned a few weeks ago the horses and jockeys have been looked at and I consider the new animations to be an improvement over the old (SO3) animations so SO4 will include all new horse and jockey animations.

There were a couple of niggles with the old graphics. The jump cycle was poor and the movements were overdone. Anyway, I am happy the new graphics are an improvement.

Also I decided that the option to adjust silks by changing their RGB values is not so good. It a affects the whole jockey image and can end up looking a bit odd. So I have removed this option from AI trainers. AI trainers will now only use basic silks. Because of this I have had the number of hand drawn silks doubled(ish) to 21. These new silks have been drawn to reflect (in most cases) real life silks so should give a familiar feel to the game. I have left the option to adjust RGB silks for players as I could see how league players may wan't to give their silks a slightly different look so it is still in there.

Youtube race sequence video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPNAcDoH7qA

Here are a few screenshots:

I'm very impressed Mark.

I can't wait for the release of another fantastic era in the Starters Orders series.

Goodbye life.

Oh my word I cant wait.

Absolutly "Fantastic" what a great job well done Mark, I would have to give it 100 out of 100,
good on you Mark, you have just made my day.

PS. I am sorry for critisizing SO3, but this has become the Game of the Year in my eyes anyways.

Wow!!!! I knew getting FM2010 would be pointless cos SO4 will take over my life, the graphics are a real step up (and I didn't mind the ones in SO3). The wife will spend a fortune christmas shopping whilst I'm glued to this.

Very impressed. well done Mark, loved the fog.Might have to put xmas
on hold this year so i can play this great game.

Great job mark any chance of a glimpse of the irish showcase and an irish race

WoW! Seriously can't wait any longer now.. You know how to tease us Mark.

The Irish National is in the video.

Great Job Mark. Absolutely fantastic.

Even down to the minor details

1. Jockeys standing slightly higher for mid race gallop, or to take a hold.
2. Jockeys lowering themselves to push for home, or coming up to a fence.
3. Arm movement of the jockey is more rounded and not so in and out.
4. Jump sequence is very realistic.
5. Background scrolls faster when horses are taking a bend.
6. The "elbow" in the National, now has the rail displayed
7. Kickback from dirt races and some fence debris.

Looking forward to it..

OH MY DAYS (sorry for capitals) amazing i never dreamt it would look as good as this!, Brilliant job mark.

Looks great!! Can't wait.

Mark this is just pure poety, a masterpiece that I will take great pride in paying for.

Excellent Mark!!

Can't wait, best game ever!!

WOW!!, This looks GREAT!! Congrats Mark, I think you outdid youself! This is the best looking SO yet!! SO3 was good, but SO4 will be much better with these graphics and the other stuff you added.

I can see you've been very busy working hard on the game. Now, where do I pre-order SO4!!..lol My credit card is burning for SO4.

Can't wait for December

peace!

Looks absolutely brilliant.