Vicky’s Notes
Lessons from a Coldplay Kiss Cam
A Coldplay concert. A Kiss Cam. An affair exposed…
And a PR team who waited a full 24 hours to respond while the internet ran wild.
The real case study here wasn’t the viral moment, it was the spectacular failure of Astronomer’s crisis communications team. Despite knowing the couple were connected to their company, they said nothing. Not even a “we’re aware.”
More than 24 hours later, the company finally responded. But it was to late. In the silence, the internet filled the vacuum with speculation, fake apologies, and relentless jokes.
The lesson for horse racing?
You don’t have a day to get your comms right anymore – in fact, you barely have an hour.
In today’s digital environment, silence is a story and delay is interpreted as guilt.
Here’s what we can learn:
- Speed saves stories: You don’t need all the facts, but you do need a holding statement, fast. “We’re aware and reviewing the situation” is better than a vacuum.
- Silence is a story: If you don’t fill the gap, the internet will – with speculation, memes, misinformation or fake posts.
- Prep is everything: You need a plan and templates because, spoiler: Friday afternoon is crisis o’clock.
- Own your narrative: Say something early, say it clearly and don’t let your response be written for you.
- Internal comms = external credibility: Staff shouldn’t find out from Facebook. Keep them in the loop and equipped to respond.
In racing, a viral clip of a breakdown, a poorly worded post, or a moment of silence in the face of tragedy can do real damage. The Coldplay Kiss Cam may seem worlds away, but the lessons land close to home.
Have a crisis plan. Don’t wait until it’s trending.
Resources
Launched: Your Crisis Communications Toolkit
We’ve built the Light Up Racing Crisis Communications Toolkit to help the industry respond better, because too often, we’re either silent, slow, or stuck in outdated PR habits.
This toolkit gives racing professionals everything they need to act quickly and credibly in a crisis.
What’s inside?
- Clear messaging templates and timelines
- Do’s and don’ts for social media and interviews during high-pressure moments
- Response guides, planning worksheets, answers to challenging questions, amongst other downloadable resources
- Talking points for key messages like crop use, track safety, 2YO racing, and aftercare
Who is it for?
Race tracks, sales companies, trainers, breeders, owners, jockeys, vets, regulators.
If you’re in the sport, this is for you.
Why now?
Because racing’s social license depends on how we show up when things go wrong. And silence isn’t neutral anymore – it’s read as guilt.
We’re here to help the industry speak up, with empathy, facts, and clarity.
👉 Want access for your team? Reply to this newsletter with their email addresses.
👉 Or here’s the link to register.
You will need to create an account and request access by filling in the form. Access approval can take up to 24hrs.
We’re asking people to register for access so we can follow up with support, answer questions, and make sure this content reaches the right people, when they need it.
Event announcement: Communications Training Workshop
The 2025 University of Arizona Global Symposium on Racing returns to Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson, from December 8-10.
This year, Light Up Racing will be hosting a workshop before the main event begins, join Vicky for a limited-capacity media training workshop:
🗣 Calm. Clear. Credible: Responding When Racing’s Under Fire
A hands-on session designed to equip racing participants with the tools to speak up when it matters most – handling tough questions, navigating scrutiny, and representing the industry with confidence and clarity.
Monday, December 8: Limited spots available
Add the session when registering for the Symposium. Early sign-up recommended.
👉 Or here’s the link to register.
Thanks for your help & support!
Vicky and Briar from the Light Up Racing team have been on the road – cameras in hand, peppering people with questions to build out our library of subject matter expert responses.
From Saratoga to Colorado, then California and now Kentucky, we’ve sat down with vets, stewards, trainers, aftercare leaders, and track managers. No scripts. Just real talk about what goes on behind the scenes – the good, the messy, and the misunderstood.
The support has been incredible.
Lot’s of “thank you for what you’re doing.” Hours generously given and doors opened by people who believe racing needs to be seen, not just defended.
We’re not done yet – more filming, more facts and more voices coming soon.
Because speaking up with clarity, confidence, and credibility isn’t optional anymore. It’s the job, and we’re here for it!
Know someone who loves horse racing but isn’t a member yet?
Invite them to join us here!
Together we can make a difference
LUR is an independent initiative powered by passionate people who believe in the future of racing. If you like what we’re doing and want to see more of it:
Donate now to help us expand content, resources, and reach.
Light Up Racing Directors
Price Bell
Dr. Jeff Berk
Christina Blacker
Roderick Wachman
