November 15, 2016
The Australian Turf Club (ATC) has further strengthened its partnership with The Star Sydney, signing an expanded new deal to jointly promote Sydney’s iconic racing, hospitality and entertainment throughout Australia and Asia.
The Star will continue its sponsorship of Australia’s premier 1600m handicap, the $3 million The Star Doncaster Mile at Royal Randwick in April as part of The Championships – Day 1.
The Australian Turf Club celebrated the 150th running of The Star Doncaster Mile in 2016 and are pleased the longstanding association of The Star with the famed mile handicap will continue into the future.
New to the partnership is The Star’s backing of the rejuvenated Chinese Festival of Racing, now a two-day Carnival at Royal Randwick aligned with Luna New Year. Taking place in early February 2017, the festival focusses on Chinese Australian consumers and industry.
The Star Chinese Festival of Racing is Australia’s first Asian-focussed racing carnival. For The Star, the festival will showcase a Handicap, held on 4 February 2017 followed a week later by the Group 2 $250,000 The Star Apollo on 11 February 2017, as well as bespoke cultural entertainment experiences at its integrated resort property.
The ATC have a longstanding affiliation with China and this association continues to prosper with continued investment in the Australian racing industry.
Associations such as the newly established Australian Chinese Jockey Club also confirm the keen interest of Chinese Australians to be involved in the Australian racing industry.
Australian Turf Club Chief Operating Officer Tony Partridge said The Star and the ATC are aligned in their strategic direction and understanding of the importance of multicultural Australia in attracting a new audience to ATC venues.
“The strategy and brands of the ATC and The Star are aligned, and we are proud to expand and extend our relationship with The Star during a time of great opportunity for Sydney racing,’’ Partridge said.
“With Premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller already talking about plans to run Winx in The Star Apollo Stakes on day two of the Festival, ATC has a great opportunity to showcase not only a great cultural event but also arguably the world’s greatest racehorse.
“Racing, lifestyle and the very best in entertainment are central to our plans to bring more Asian customers to the racetrack and The Star.
“This includes Asian customers not only in Sydney and Australia, but beyond our shores, to visit and enjoy our global city Sydney.’’
Greg Hawkins, Managing Director, The Star said, “We are delighted to extend our valued partnership with the ATC and are particularly looking forward to working with the team to develop The Star Chinese Festival of Racing. Now in its second year, this innovative event will combine one of Australia’s favourite pastimes, with a backdrop of rich Chinese culture. Together, we are set to deliver a program of racing and off-track entertainment and hospitality experiences that will attract and thrill a broad range of customers including locally-based and international Chinese visitors.”
“Sydney racing provides a fitting platform for The Star to demonstrate our thrilling experiences, accessible luxury and local spirit brand pillars and by further strengthening our relationship with the ATC we will continue to embrace our Official Entertainment Partner status which allows us the opportunity to celebrate the very best in entertainment in the city of Sydney all year-round,” continued Mr Hawkins.
The three-year partnership will see The Star, already a Foundation Partner; continue as the ATC’s official Entertainment Partner offering a wide range of benefits on and off the track for ATC Members and customers year-round, incorporating Sydney-centric dining, hotel, entertainment and lifestyle experiences.