KOCHI (Kyodo) Internet service provider Livedoor Co., which has been in the limelight since trying to enter the world of professional baseball, will support a deficit-ridden racetrack in Kochi Prefecture, the operator of the racetrack has said.
Kochi Racecourse has drawn nationwide attention as the home of Japan's favorite loser, Haruurara.
Hidehiro Maeda, head of the association that runs the track, said Thursday that Livedoor agreed to support it when he visited the Internet firm's head office in Tokyo earlier in the day.
The move came a day after Livedoor President Takafumi Horie, known as a big fan of horse racing, offered to rehabilitate the deficit-ridden track in Gunma Prefecture.
Livedoor agreed to launch public relations activities for the racetrack, including using the Livedoor logo, Maeda said. Livedoor and the association will sign a contract possibly by the end of this month, he said.
The association plans to further negotiate with Livedoor to help sell its tickets and broadcast its races via the Internet.
"We want Livedoor to utilize its information-transmission ability, built through the Net business, to help improve the business of Kochi Racecourse," Maeda said.
The popularity of Haruurara, famous for a losing streak extending beyond 100 races, has saved the racetrack from bankruptcy.