Jockey Club launches interactive games

The Jockey Club on Wednesday announced the launch of "Major League Horse

Racing," an interactive game that combines the skill of fantasy sports and the

fun of social media with the excitement of horse racing, and "Thoroughbred

World," a game focused on the breeding, owning and training aspects of the

sport.

Players can access both games through Facebook. Major League Horse Racing is

also available at

MajorLeagueHorseRacing.com, and there is an Apple iPad version of

Thoroughbred World coming soon.

Both games were developed as part of a wide-ranging fan development

initiative that was recommended in the comprehensive 2011 economic study of the

Thoroughbred industry, which was commissioned by The Jockey Club and conducted

by McKinsey & Company.

"These games complement our fan development strategy and will be heavily

promoted through our America's Best Racing platform and our television

programming," said Jason G. Wilson, The Jockey Club's vice president of business

development. "Free-to-play online games have been successful in teaching

consumers how to play other games, such as online poker, and they attract fans.

"Social gaming has become a major entertainment platform, as evidenced by

FarmVille's 85 million 'farmers,' 30 million of whom play daily," he added. "A

game like Thoroughbred World that simulates the Thoroughbred owner experience

for casual and dedicated fans should build racing's brand and relevance."

In just over one week since its release, Major League Horse Racing has

attracted more than 1,200 players. Thoroughbred World has attracted 2,000

players since it was launched and promoted on August 16, 2012. (The game had

more than 20,000 players during beta testing in Asia this summer with virtually

no promotion.)

"If you love the thrill of the race and would like to experience handicapping

in a low-risk way, then the free-to-play Major League Horse Racing should appeal

to you," Wilson said. "If you would rather spend time on the farm than at the

track, you will likely enjoy Thoroughbred World."

In "Major League Horse Racing," players will complete a race card each week,

assigning Game Bucks to the four horses they believe will outperform the field.

Additional Game Bucks can be earned through various social tasks on Facebook and

Twitter.

Each week's highest scoring players will be eligible for prizes that will be

revealed throughout the season.

"Thoroughbred World" combines the best game-play elements of a simulated

world builder and a resource manager. Players create the ultimate racehorse in

custom training facilities, improving agility, balance, stamina and speed

through a series of mini-games.

Once their dream horse is prepared, players enter races against other players

to win in-game currency and other items.

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