Racing Victoria has released a new campaign via M+C Saatchi, launching a three-part documentary series that takes viewers behind the scenes of the physical and mental demands of professional jockeys ahead of the Spring Racing Carnival.
Titled ‘SILKS’, the mini-series follows jockeys Ben Allen, Celine Gaudray and Jett Stanley as they prepare for this year’s carnival, exploring the rivalry, risk and ambition behind the sport.
The series also features Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Gai Waterhouse and a number of Group 1-winning trainers, offering viewers access to the training and preparation that sits behind the seconds of racing seen on track.
The campaign forms part of Racing Victoria’s broader ‘This is How We Spring’ campaign and is designed to give audiences a closer look at the people competing in the sport, rather than focusing solely on the spectacle of race day.
Racing Victoria EGM media, content and marketing Andy Hoad said the series aimed to highlight the athletic demands of professional jockeys.
“Pound for pound, jockeys rank among the most elite athletes in world sport, yet most people only ever see them crossing the line for a few seconds of the race,” Hoad said.
“Welcome to ‘SILKS’, a first of its kind mini docu-series that is trying to close that gap and forms an exciting part of our ‘This is How We Spring’ campaign.”
M+C Saatchi national ECD Jeremy Hogg said the production offered a different perspective on what it takes to compete at the highest level.
“To see the drive, sacrifices and resilience it takes to be a top jockey has been an eye-opener,” Hogg said.
“The sheer physical strength and mental fortitude required to race, day in day out, is truly breathtaking, not to mention the bravery.”
The three-part series was directed by Bill Bleakley, with M+C Saatchi handling the creative and production alongside Racing Victoria and Ryvallmedia.
The first two episodes of SILKS are now available via 7plus and YouTube, with the third episode completing the series.
SILKS Episode One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhMhyJNaS04
SILKS Episode Two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV19t9EDX9U
Credits
M+C SAATCHI
National Executive Creative Director: Jeremy Hogg
Creative team: Georgie Waters, Laura Murphy, Gary Dawson, Chloe Hinchliff, Alex Masson, Georgia Brockett
Design Director: Dutchy Baart
Senior Designer: Kris McDuff
Producers: Rosie Pike, Sara Shelbaya
Client Partner: Louise Rutherford
Director: Bill Bleakley
DOP: Simon Walsh
Sound Recordist: Adam Armstrong
Camera Assistant: Oscar Nastri, Harry Huggins
Editor: Paul Rowe
Online: Julien Chichignoud
Sound: Studio Tonic
RACING VICTORIA
EGM – Media, Content & Marketing: Andy Hoad
General Manager – Customer Marketing: Rebecca Moffat
PR & Media Partnerships Manager – James Saundry
Digital Designer – Janet Lim
RYVALLMEDIA
Business Director: Vanessa Williams
