Hong Kong's prestigious Group 1 contests latest to be added to the World Pool

Next month's Hong Kong International Races will be run under the World Pool banner for the first time after the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced all 12 of the jurisdiction's Group 1s will be added to the schedule.

The Cup, Mile, Sprint and Vase will become the first races in Hong Kong to feature in the international commingling pool, established by HKJC and launched at Royal Ascot in 2019. Hong Kong becomes the ninth jurisdiction to host World Pool races, joining the likes of Britain, Ireland, Germany, Australia and South Africa.

HKJC chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said: "World Pool has provided many benefits to the global horseracing industry including deep and liquid parimutuel markets, increased value opportunities, greater certainty of odds and enhanced returns.

"Additionally, World Pool drives promotion of our sport with a heavy focus on the best international events, horses, jockeys and trainers. As such, it is timely to add Hong Kong’s best races to the World Pool brand."

Over 25 jurisdictions bet into the Hong Kong pools and World Pool, and 84 of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities' top 100 Group 1 races will now be part of the latter.

Michael Fitzsimons, executive director of wagering products at the HKJC, said: "Branding the top Hong Kong races as World Pool makes strategic sense, as it is not just a wagering brand and the aim is to bring the best international races under the World Pool banner. With the growing popularity of World Pool, we aim to keep increasing our contribution to racing which benefits the entire ecosystem."

Despite a record-breaking £48 million betting turnover in a single day from Australia and British Champions day last month, total World Pool turnover in 2024 is down £20m to £455m, compared to £475m last year.

Fitzsimons added: "Turnover is right in line with global betting trends and the economic climate, while the record achieved for a composite 12-race card, which mixed racing from Australia with the UK, showed that there are plenty of opportunities for growth."

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