Kick Collective

The Kick Up team in Australia has launched a new Breeding Hub to tackle misinformation head-on, following the public backlash after the death of Black Caviar last year when much of what was shouted about the breeding industry was said to be incorrect. "We saw, very aggressively and loudly, possibly for the first time, that there was a lot of criticism towards the breeding industry, and a heck of a lot of misinformation came along with that," said Nathan Skrivanic of Kick Collective, who is part of the Kick Up...

It has been just over a year since Light Up Racing (LUR), inspired by the Australian-based initiative Kick Up for Racing, was launched in an effort to 'illuminate the path to transparency, awareness and accountability in horse racing' in the United States. As Light Up Racing's pilot year has come to a close, it's safe to say the grassroots initiative has not only become a necessary voice in changing the industry narrative, but also in bridging the gap between those within the industry and those outside of it. "As an...

Light Up Racing has launched a Spanish translation feature on their website with the intent to make resources even more accessible to the entire horse racing community, the organization said on Thursday in a press release. The Spanish version can be accessed by clicking the flag icon located in the top right corner of the screen on the website. By offering this option, Light Up aims to bridge language barriers across the industry. "At Light Up Racing, we're focused on empowering industry members to confidently engage in tough conversations," said...

Following its launch phase in the U.S. in April, 2024, Light Up Racing will launch Phase 2 of its program, which includes further website development and new personnel, the organizers announced in a press release Sunday, "The initial phase highlighted the crucial need for transparency and effective communication within the racing industry, with millions turning to LUR for reliable updates and insights," the company said in the release. "LUR is ready to build on this success, driving further innovation and progress in the months ahead. During Phase 1, Light Up...

Light Up Racing, an initiative launched to highlight positive news in the racing industry, will join with Ocala Breeders' Sales Company for a presentation by Vicky Leonard. Leonard, whose own Australian thoroughbred marketing agency Kick Collective inspired Light Up Racing, will present tactics on how to answer difficult questions from those outside the industry along with transforming negative opinions into positive messaging. The event will be held Sunday, May 5 from 5-7 p.m. on the second floor of the ITW Building on the OBS grounds. "We are excited to bring...

On April 22-23 Light Up Racing will launch its Media & Content Cohort Training Program in Lexington, Kentucky, which aims to improve the narrative of horse racing and empower changemakers by teaching skills to better promote the sport, the organization said in a release Friday. Light Up Racing is assembling approximately 20 individuals from every aspect of the horse racing industry, across all demographics, united by their passion for positive change over two days of training. "Our goal is to empower each participant with the confidence to share their stories...

The Thoroughbred industry continues to shrink and has a massive damage control and marketing issue. As things stand, we look like a passenger ship on a collision course with an iceberg. There are many screams, but no well-funded, established industry organization appears to want control of the wheel. Clearly the anti-racing lobby is well supported and now getting prime time slots on mainstream media. If you are making a living from this industry as a sales company, stallion owner, farm owner, trainer, agent, pinhooker etc; or a provider such as...

Melissa Steele has been appointed as the European senior account manager of the Australian marketing agency Kick Collective. Her appointment is an "integral part of Kick Collective's global expansion strategy", as it establishes bases in Ireland and America in the coming months. Born and raised in the UK but now based in Tipperary, Ireland, Steele graduated from University of Edinburgh before gaining a place on the Godolphin Flying Start programme in 2013. She then worked as a marketing executive for Tattersalls in Newmarket for five years and has contributed in...