Twitter reacts to Sportsbet’s Hotham announcement
WHO’S ready for Sportsbet’s newest addition to a stacked spring program, Ballarat Race Club’s Hotham?
Introducing the most prized racing trophy in the land – 3.5m in height – it's 'The Hotham'! $50,000 maiden on October 12 @BallTurfClub pic.twitter.com/cGkj2DJFVU
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) October 3, 2017
That’s right, it’s the battler’s version of The Everest, in what we consider to be Sportbet at its very best.
Getting excited for The Hotham @Racing @sportsbetcomau @BallTurfClub pic.twitter.com/Gdg0bnhPdD
— Shane Anderson (@Globalgallop) October 3, 2017
Targeted at maidens, in a reverse ballot at Ballarat, the response to the initiative was swift and positive with the bookmaker announcing there has been 33 nominations already for the October race.
No others make racing as fun as Sportsbet. The Hotham is here! Thanks @sportsbetcomau 4 making this happen. #12Aussiebattlers
Thurs 12 Oct— Sportsbet-Ballarat (@BallTurfClub) October 3, 2017
In an industry that takes itself very seriously at times, the cheeky dig at the world’s richest race on turf while giving some underdog runners a shot at a hefty winners cheque and an oversized trophy.
One Twitter user had an interesting marketing tool to directly combat the The Everest’s idea of handing out cookies.
@Punters are you handing out Savoys for your Hotham promo? https://t.co/w6NhSPB33C
— Tim Guille (@timbguille) October 3, 2017
We like it a lot, but surely there’s a Ballarat bakery that could knock up some maiden macaroons or something similar.
Call it genius marketing, a cheap advertising opportunity for Sportsbet or just simply a bit of fun, social media generally embraced the idea of the race.
In a world where we take everything too seriously 'The Hotham' is some great work by @sportsbetcomau and @RacingInsider
— Adam Fiske (@ajfiske) October 3, 2017
The fun and games are out of the way, which means we need to look at the field.
No official announcements have been made in regards to which horses will take to the turf, but there were plenty of suggestions flying around.
One Twitter user suggested a 90 race maiden come out of retirement for one last shot at glory.
@shesapples1 will Vote For Lust to come out of retirement for 'The Hotham'?
— Sam Villinger (@SamVillo) October 3, 2017
While others had some less known suggestions for country racing’s race of races.
Hopefully the mail from Torquay @sandwichisameal got through and ZA ZAZAPOUR was entered for a slot #Hotham #FifteenUnluckyRuns #Monty
— Flip T (@Rubicon_NZ) October 3, 2017
The praise from the general punters was not as widespread however.
Many cited that there is already a race named after the famous ski-spot in Victoria, that has its own slice of history.
It is famous for the triple dead heat. For that reason alone it should never lose its name. Stuff the Lexus, Saab, Dalgety etc etc …
— Aye Bee (@WiseOne68) October 3, 2017
While others just bemoaned what is meant to be a piece of light entertainment.
Personally I like the idea. As with The Everest I do not like the name but I like the idea. We already have a famous race named The Hotham.
— Matthew (@djebel) October 3, 2017
This just goes to show, there will always be someone who will complain about everything. Rest assured though, the Hotham will be a fun event and we think its an injection of frivolity the industry sorely needs.
So lighten up and enjoy the fun.