Organizers of the Pegasus World Cup Invitational have tapped UFC fighter Conor McGregor to "star in their unique advertising campaign" for the inaugural horse race in Hallandale Beach, Fla., according to Marissa Payne of the WASHINGTON POST. In the first video released yesterday, called "The 13th Jockey," McGregor "plays a version of himself in the short-film series that seeks to become 'the No. 1 pound-for-pound jockey in the world.'" McGregor's coach is played by actor Jon Lovitz. Payne noted what the film "earns in laughs" it "appears to lack in explaining what exactly the Pegasus World Cup is and why McGregor’s chosen to involve himself with it." The complete film will be "presented in four snippets" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 1/4). FORBES' Matt Connolly noted the campaign is in partnership with the Stronach Group and film director/screenwriter Frank Coraci. The remaining videos will be "released weekly through Pegasus’ social media channels ahead of the race" (FORBES.com, 1/4). ROLLING STONE's Scott Rafferty noted the race is "known as the world’s 'richest thoroughbred horse race'" with a $12M purse. The final episode of the campaign will air on the NBC race day broadcast on Jan. 28, which will "show McGregor getting to know his way around the stables, training like a jockey, bonding with his horse and learning how to ride" (ROLLINGSTONE.com, 1/4).
