World Pool Witnesses Highest Turnover of 2023 in The Saudi Cup Race
The first meeting of World Pool in Saudi Arabia witnessed a globally commingled turnover of HK$197,800,886 (approx. R464.6m) across six Group races offered via pari-mutuel organizations from over 20 countries.
The most valuable race in the world, The Saudi Cup (G1), was won by Japan’s Dubai Turf winner Panthalassa and received bets of HK$48,388,160 (approx. R114m). This surpassed any race commingled at the first two World Pool race days in South Africa and Australia.
The Saudi Derby (G3) was won by the locally trained King Commissioner, garnering HK$34,632,172 (approx. R75.5m) in bets, the second-highest turnover race of the night. The Red Sea Turf Handicap received HK$30,448,420 (approx. R71.9m) in bets.
Frankie Dettori, newly announced World Pool ambassador, rode Elite Power to victory in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G3), where the turnover reached HK$29,332,759 (approx. R68.2m).
Panthalassa’s first dirt success in the US$20million feature was chosen as the World Pool Moment of the Day, entitling groom Yasuhiro Ikeda to receive a cheque of HK$40,000 (approx. R94,000).
If Panthalassa’s Saudi Cup win is named World Pool Moment of the Year, Yasuhiro Ikeda will win a VIP trip to Hong Kong next year.
Sam Nati, Head of Commingling at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “Hitting almost HK$200million on a six-race card is really positive, particularly with The Saudi Cup itself generating the highest single-race turnover of 2023 so far. The combination of good field sizes, competitive races and a great mix of horses and jockeys from across the globe made the meeting a real spectacle for punters.”
World Pool’s next destination is Meydan Racecourse for the Dubai Super Saturday meeting on March 4th.
