TCL and the Melbourne Cup Carnival - by the numbers

TCL and the Melbourne Cup Carnival - by the numbers

Melbourne, AUSTRALIA– As people from all over Australia and the world converge on Flemington for Emirates Melbourne Cup day, it will be the culmination of a lifetime of hard work for many involved with horses on the track. What is lesser known however are the herculean efforts that go on behind the scenes to ensure race-goers have the best possible experience from the moment they enter the racecourse.

TCL Electronics Australia is one crucial piece in the puzzle to deliver a seamless experience to guests at one of Australia’s most glamorous and watched sporting events. In its ninth successive year as a major partner of the Victoria Racing Club, and as the ‘Official TV Supplier’ of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, it is TCL’s responsibility to ensure everyone on course has easy access to view all the races from every angle, no matter where they are on the premises.

This includes more than 400 TCL Smart 3D and LED TVs that have been installed throughout Flemington racecourse to ensure nobody misses a minute of the action.

To highlight the size and scale of this investment, this is TCL’s partnership with the Melbourne Cup Carnival – by the numbers:

-        In 2012, 351,356 race goers attended the four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, including 113,666 interstate and 21,246 international visitors.*

-       More than 400 TCL Televisions have been installed across Flemington racecourse

-       These Televisions were delivered in three separate shipping containers, which given the size of the location were delivered in three separate areas of Flemington racecourse.

-       TCL have had 12 installation experts laying cable across the course for the last two months.

-       The 400 Televisions were all unpacked, installed and tuned in four days.

-       2013 will see a significant increase in the size of the Televisions used onsite, with 50-inch and 65-inch models used in place of 32-inch and 40-inch models. This includes 100 of the TCL 50-inch televisions in the infield alone.

-       In 2012, over 95.7 per cent of all metropolitan in-home televisions switched on at 3pm (Australian EST) tuned into the race. Nearly five million people (4.85 million) watched all or part of the television coverage.*More than 65,000 hats and fascinators, 54,000 pairs of shoes, 53,000 dresses, 26,000 handbags, 23,000 items of jewellery, 29,000 ties, 14,000 pairs of sunglasses, 11,000 items of underwear, 14,000 pairs of socks and pantyhose and 17,000 suits were specifically purchased to wear trackside at the 2012 Melbourne Cup Carnival.*

“TCL enables VRC patrons to enjoy high definition coverage of racing across the racecourse, and is a natural brand fit for the Melbourne Cup Carnival. We have shown over many years now that we are a reliable partner that delivers both the latest technology and good looking product that is in line with the prestige image that is important to create around the track,” said Harry Wu, TCL Electronics Australia General Manager.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival also continues to be an important vehicle through which to promote the TCL brand to Australian consumers. With extensive signage throughout the course, including five TCL-branded ‘super screens’ and hospitality for key TCL partners and customers, the entire Carnival remains an important way for TCL to highlight its long presence in the Australian market.

As part of this relationship, TCL also receives naming rights to an important Crown Oaks Day race (the TCL 4K UHD Smart TV Subzero Challenge). Held on Thursday November 7 as part of the Subzero Challenge, the TCL sponsored race is a three-part greys-only race to be held for the first time during the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival, which extends upon the popular Crown Oaks Day greys race, which has been staged at Flemington since 1996.

To Download behind the scenes imagery of TCL's Television installation at Flemington, please visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/96609503@N02/

For further information please contact:

David Wolf

Closer Communications
Tel: 0411 111 787
Email: david.wolf@closercommunications.com.au

*IER Study as commissioned by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC)

About TCL
Founded in 1981 with headquarters in China, TCL (The Creative Life) is one of the world's leading consumer electronics manufacturers and a leader in technology and innovation. With seven research and development centres, 20 manufacturing centres globally and an 8.5 Generation LCD Panel Production Plant, TCL consistently combines advanced engineering with stylish designs to deliver quality products and outstanding entertainment experiences. TCL is the leading Television brand in China and one of the fastest-growing manufacturers in the industry, having expanded into North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Africa. TCL Electronics Australia Pty Ltd commenced in late 2004 and is committed to providing customers with quality product and exceptional local after-sales support and service. Locally, TCL’s product range includes television and refrigeration, and is available in Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, Betta Electrical, Bi-rite Electrical, Bing Lee, Radio Rentals, Retravision and other selected retailers.

About the Victoria Racing Club
The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) has a long and proud history. Located at Australia’s most famous racecourse, the VRC continues to uphold the traditions that have made it Australia’s premier racing club. The VRC was established in 1864, when it commenced the management of Flemington Racecourse, and is governed by a Board of Directors, elected by the Members of the Club. Currently, the VRC has 170 staff. In addition, the Club employs a sizeable event based workforce contingent in order to run 23 race meetings per season, including the world-renowned Melbourne Cup Carnival.