Equestricon, LLC., announced July 13 a sponsorship from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) that will bring an added attraction and enhanced international flair to the inaugural racing convention. As part of the agreement, the HKJC will sponsor a "Lucky Draw" sweepstakes at Equestricon, in which it will award a trip for two to Hong Kong for the 2017 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR).
The sweepstakes will be open to all ticket-holders (including $25 general admission) at the historic convention, to be held mainly at the Saratoga Springs City Center, on August 14-15. Featured at Equestricon are more than 80 separate panels, workshops, seminars, autograph signings, networking sessions and other events. Attractions and discussions will focus on a range on interest points, including wagering, media, marketing, ownership, breeding, aftercare, international perspectives on the sport, and more.
"Equestricon caught our attention because of its tremendously diverse platform and engagement strategy," said George Irvine, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Commingling Development Director. "We wanted to make sure that we brought the growing global momentum behind Hong Kong racing, through commingling, to a welcoming audience. The number of North American ADWs offering Hong Kong racing continues to grow, and with good reason, as Hong Kong offers some of the world's largest field sizes and largest per-race tote pools."
Through its support of Equestricon, the HKJC will offer convention attendees an opportunity to win the racing trip of a lifetime. The #HKIR Lucky Draw winner will get to travel to Hong Kong for the HKIR -- Hong Kong's biggest annual event -- along with an international social media team that includes Equestricon co-founder Dan Tordjman.
The winning entrant will be selected on the final day of the convention, during the "International Racing Viewpoints" panel, sponsored by Breeders' Cup. The panel will be moderated by Pat Cummings, HKJC's Executive Manager, Public Affairs (Racing).
"The HKIR is one of the world's most exciting and lucrative weeks of racing," Cummings said. "From the International Jockeys' Championship in a magical urban setting at Happy Valley Racecourse, to the thrilling four year-ending Group 1 turf races we will have at Sha Tin on December 10 and including all the hospitality and events in between, the winner of the #HKIR Lucky Draw is in for a treat. We will roll out the red carpet for what is really a bucket list experience."
In addition to operating race meetings at Sha Tin and Happy Valley, the HKJC is one of the largest charitable donors in the world. Last season, the HKJC Charities Trust donated a record HK$3.9 billion (US$499 million), supporting 215 charitable and community projects.
