Conor McGregor to be ’13th jockey’ in world’s richest horse race

Conor McGregor, the first fighter in UFC history to hold two championship belts simultaneously, was tapped as the ‘13th Jockey’ for The Pegasus World Cup Invitational, the world’s richest Thoroughbred horse race. For McGregor to become the 13th Jockey and conquer the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing, The Notorious had a lot of training to do. He had to get to know his way around the stables, train like a jockey, bond with a horse, and learn how to ride, all of which were filmed for a series of short comedic films.

The inaugural Pegasus World Cup Invitational will be held at Gulfstream Park in South Florida on Saturday, January 28, 2017, and will surpass the Dubai World Cup as the world’s richest Thoroughbred horse race. The Pegasus World Cup Invitational is restricted to 12 horses that will compete for a record-setting $12 million purse. The event will be broadcast on NBC.

Last month, McGregor, together with actor and comedian Jon Lovitz, shot four short comedic films, the first of which is now available.

Episode 1 – Announcement
UFC Champion Conor McGregor alongside his new trainer, Jon Lovitz, announces his intention to compete in and win The Pegasus World Cup Invitational.

Question: People may have expected your first video series would focus on action or fighting. What is it about The Pegasus World Cup Invitational that appealed to you?

Conor McGregor: It’s an honour to be the face of an event like this (Pegasus World Cup Invitational). Horse racing has a big presence in my country and I’m proud to share it with the biggest horse race in the world.

Q: What happens to you in the story of the ‘13th Jockey’?

CM: I GOT PAID.

Q: Could you ever see yourself owning a racehorse and if you did, what would you name the horse?

CM: Yes. Don Julio.

Q: Many consider you to be a fashion plate. What do you suggest that every gentleman should wear to The Pegasus World Cup Invitational?

CM: A fat wallet.

Q: If I have never watched a horse race before, why should I watch The Pegasus World Cup Invitational?

CM: Because it is the most prestigious event there is, with the most money on the line.

Q: What is it about the sport of horse racing that you like?

CM: Winning money.

Q: Do you and your crew go to the horse races together?

CM: All the time, we love to win money at the races.

Q: For the story of the ‘13th Jockey’ how did you train for the big race?

CM: I am always in shape. I am always ready.

Q: So will any of these techniques make it into your training ritual?

CM: Yes. Variety is the spice of life.

Q: Would you consider naming your first child Pegasus? It has a nice ring to it.

CM: No! Ha! I love Pegasus but I’m keeping that one secret for now.

The 13th Jockey Episode Schedule:
Episode 2 – Training Day coming to the UG January 11th, 2017.
Conor McGregor is pushed by his trainer Jon Lovitz to adopt a new and unusual training regimen while Jon is busy entering the Pegasus Win-Win Contest.
Episode 3 – Smart Outfit coming to the UG January 18th, 2017.
Conor McGregor, with the help of trainer Jon Lovitz, tries on and picks his silks (the jockey’s wardrobe) for race day.
Episode 4 – The Race airs January 28th, 2017 – Pegasus World Cup Invitational Race Day live on NBC 4:30pm EST.
Conor McGregor finally makes his debut as a jockey. Will the Champ Champ conquer?