GMA New Media, Manila Jockey ink deal to boost horse-racing industry

Media solutions firm GMA New Media Inc. (NMI) and horse-racing operator Manila Jockey Club Inc. on Friday sealed their plan to expand the reach of betting on this equestrian sport. NMI president and chief operating officer (COO) Judd Gallares said in an interview that the company will provide the technology needed to make horse-racing betting available over the internet and mobile phones. For its part, Manila Jockey executive vice president and COO Alfonso Reyno III said the firm entered into a joint venture with NMI to "upgrade the leisure it provides to people." Reyno pointed out that Manila Jockey will provide not only traditional ways to bet but "improve its service by allowing people to place bets via internet and cell phones." Gallares said the GMA Network Inc. subsidiary and Asia's oldest horse-racing club will invest P10 million each into the new venture. People can begin betting via new platforms during the "middle of this year," Gallares said. During the signing of memorandum of understanding Friday, GMA Network chairman and chief executive officer Felipe Gozon said infusing technology will make bettors "feel the convenience" in betting on horce-racing games. Gozon said options to bet on horce-racing games have exploded due to the present advances in technology such as "mobile productivity, internet, and multimedia tools." He reiterated that the possibilities of digital technology can also be applied in many games like cockfighting. Alfonso Reyno Jr., Manila Jockey chairman and president, said the company's partnership with NMI will "expand the market of the present racing industry and upgrade the multimedia coverage applied by the company." The older Reyno said the joint venture will lead the Philippines to become upbeat in horse-racing industry — like the US, Hong Kong, Japan, and London. — GMANews.TV