Secretariat’s World In-Conversation with Michael Hodgson, Head of Business Development and Partnerships at Star Entertainment.

Q: How did Star Entertainment’s partnership with The Everest begin?

A: I was the person who started this partnership about eighteen (18) months ago. I have a good relationship with Peter V’landis who is the CEO of Racing NSW. He is the driving force behind the Everest concept. He called to explain what he was going to do. He outlined how there were twelve (12) Slot Holders. And we pretty much within 24 hours decided that we were going to take one of those slots.

And I’m glad we did that because they sold out very quickly. And now there is a waiting list to get one of those slots. As a company we are not in the racing industry. But we saw this as an opportunity for our guests and members to be able to own a stake in a horse, which is running in the Richest Race On Turf, which is very exciting.

Our guests really enjoy the social and glamour side of it and the competitive element of horse racing. And here was an opportunity to be a part of a really exciting new concept where traditionally you might not have been able to do it.

And we were really (pleasantly) surprised to see how quickly this race took the public’s imagination. There was record crowd at Royal Randwick and it also attracted people who were traditionally non-horseracing folk. And they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The concept of the slot, the choosing of horse,how many slots are still available these are all questions which keep the audience engaged. Infact after every race, these days the question is always asked of the winning horse owner is whether the racehorse is good enough for the Everest.

Q: How do you see this partnership growing over the years as The Everest not only matures but becomes truly a legendary and international event?

A: So I think that the first thing I would say, as a business, we are big supporter of local events and our community. And I think over time it will develop in to an event which will attract people for the week of The Everest, through ideas, events and activities. Clearly Melbourne Cup has its own place in the world calendar. But it is an opportunity for Sydney to create its own place.

And as Star, we can help create some of those events and dinners, horse related activities, charity functions, revealing the trophy etc. More than anything we like the idea of positioning ourselves as being part of the Sydney racing community.

I grew up in Epsom (UK) watching the Derby. At the time it was a big carnival held on the Downs and kids had the day off school. Whether it was the Queen, right through a school boy riding in is dad’s car, there was something for everybody.

And The Everest was something similar with various food options and a great music festival. It just gives something for Sydney to celebrate. It’s the most beautiful city and hopefully it will bring people down.

And as Star, we want to be a part of people’s journeys and joyous experiences.

We are seeing particularly from Asia coming into Australia and investing into the racing and breeding industry. We hear thousands upon thousands of stories of people (that have never been involved with racing), coming down on holiday and falling in love with a horse. Many of them also saw great opportunity and decided to either continue to race or breed here or breed here and take the quality off spring back home.

Q: Australia and the Australian people have showcased great innovation in their ability to accept & embrace a new concept such as The Everest. Would you agree?

A: Yes, of course. Australians as a people while we respect tradition, we also love to challenge it. And you see that everywhere, in our food, our restaurants through to racing. It doesn’t surprise me that Peter V’landis has great ambition and passion to say Australia can lead the way in this new concept in racing.

Q: Do you think The Everest will be able to attract quality sprinters from around the world.

A: Australia strength lies in sprinters. We breed the best sprinters in the world and some of the best Australian races are sprints. So I think the 1200m Everest is the perfect race for Australia. With A$13 million as prize money, the race has already garnered international media attention. Soon horse owners should start seeing The Everest as ‘the race’ for any sprinter horse in the world to prove their horse is the fastest in the world.

Q: What were the factors involved which helps Star decide which horse to select from wide range of top sprinters available in the Southern Hemisphere? Was there a reason behind specific selection of Shoals for this year’s edition of The Everest?

A: In order to make the final decision, I rely on people who are far thorough and informed people. We have worked with a number of people to analyze the top sprinters which are available both in Australia and more widely.

In terms of Shoals, she was ranked really highly on that list. On form alone we are clearly looking for a horse we believe that has a chance to win.

And in May I watched the Robert Sangster Stakes and I noticed that the track was soft. She was able to handle the track there while maintaining a pretty good speed. And one of things you can get in Sydney in October is a little bit of rain. So one of the questions for us was the versatility of the horse. It is not easy to find a sprinter that con hold its form on both a soft and hard track. So that was another reason to choose Shoals. 

Also, I believe Shoals is owned by two of the most astute horsemen, both in terms of racing and breeding. Which meant that we had two excellent and very knowledgeable people who would be able to seriously lead the team towards the goal of winning the race.

Also with John Messara, (who owns Arrowfield Stud in the Segenhoe Valley which isone of the most successful stud operations in the world), it gave me the chance to bring some of the people who are interested in horse racing to Arrowfield. We could showcase the horse racing experience to some of our more important guests in the run up to race. And hopefully we can interest them into becoming owners themselves.

Q: As racegoer, which race would you say was the best race Shoals ran?

A:  I would have to say the Robert Sangster Stakes. 

Q: Does Shoals and The Everest have a fan following amongst the staff at Star Entertainment?

A: Absolutely. That is something we are going to building this year. We have over 8000 staff. Although its still early, we will find staff to get involved. I think it’s great that we can get all our business stakeholders, which is not just the guests and members but also the staff involved in this wonderful social event.

Q: You were with Tourism Australia, which would you say are the best dining options (in Sydney) for people coming down to attend the race?

A: I am biased, as food and wine is my specialty. I personally believe that Australia is the finest county in the world for dining. And by that I mean Sydney provides wide range of options. You can have breakfast by the beach orthere are more formal dining options. But for someone coming to Sydney, I suggest they combine that dining with some of the great views that you’ve got in Sydney.

So lunch you could go to Icebergs, which overlooks Bondi Beach or for dinner you could visit Bennelong which is in the Sydney Opera House overlooking the Harbour or alternatively we have a stakehouse called Black which also overlooks the Sydney Harbour.

Q: Have you had a chance to meet with Shoals yet and if so what were your thoughts around the magnificent athlete?

A: Unfortunately, so far I have only seen her only in videos and photos. She is currently away for a spell but as soon as she comes back, I will be going down to see her.

Q: And finally do tell us about your family. Who are they and what do they do?

A: I moved to Australia about ten years ago through business. I was involved in food festivals. But this is home now. Even my dad moved here and we are all now first class citizens.

I have three children. They are seventeen, fifteen and ten. Last year the oldest came to The Everest and absolutely loved it. So this year, all three will be coming to The Everest.

Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com