Players can access both games through Facebook. Major League Horse Racing is also available at MajorLeagueHorseRacing.com, and there is an Apple iPad version of Thoroughbred World coming soon.

Both games were developed as part of a wide-ranging fan development initiative that was recommended in the comprehensive 2011 economic study of the Thoroughbred industry, which was commissioned by The Jockey Club and conducted by McKinsey & Company.

“These games complement our fan development strategy and will be heavily promoted through our America’s Best Racing platform and our television programming,” said Jason G. Wilson, The Jockey Club’s vice president of business development. “Free-to-play online games have been successful in teaching consumers how to play other games, such as online poker, and they attract fans.

“Social gaming has become a major entertainment platform, as evidenced by FarmVille’s 85 million ‘farmers,’ 30 million of whom play daily,” he added. “A game like Thoroughbred World that simulates the Thoroughbred owner experience for casual and dedicated fans should build racing’s brand and relevance.”

In just over one week since its release, Major League Horse Racing has attracted more than 1,200 players. Thoroughbred World has attracted 2,000 players since it was launched and promoted on August 16, 2012. (The game had more than 20,000 players during beta testing in Asia this summer with virtually no promotion.)

“If you love the thrill of the race and would like to experience handicapping in a low-risk way, then the free-to-play Major League Horse Racing should appeal to you,” said Wilson. “If you would rather spend time on the farm than at the track, you will likely enjoy Thoroughbred World.”

In Major League Horse Racing, players will complete a race card each week, assigning Game Bucks to the four horses they believe will outperform the field. Additional Game Bucks can be earned through various social tasks on Facebook and Twitter.

Each week’s highest scoring players will be eligible for prizes that will be revealed throughout the season.

Thoroughbred World combines the best game-play elements of a simulated world builder and a resource manager. Players create the ultimate racehorse in custom training facilities, improving agility, balance, stamina and speed through a series of mini-games.

Once their dream horse is prepared, players enter races against other players to win in-game currency and other items.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred racing and breeding, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms, among others. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.