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World Pool, one of the largest commingled horse-racing pools in the world, was created by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and powered by Frankie Dettori. It will be the legendary jockey’s last year in the saddle.
Dettori will provide regular blogs and other content in the partnership ahead of World Pool Racedays 2023. The racedays will begin at The Saudi Cup meeting this weekend, where all six Group races will be mixed globally.
Dettori , World Pool ambassador, said: “I have a lot to see on my last year in the saddle. So it’s great that I’m working with World Pool who also expanded their reach to other countries in 2023. It will be an exciting season for everyone, with the Saudi Cup moving to Dubai, then on to all the major events in the UK or Ireland.
Michael Fitzsimons is the Executive Director Wagering Products at the Hong Kong Jockey Club.said “Having Frankie as a torchbearer during the last year of an amazing career is absolutely brilliant” Frankie is having a great year. World Pool has a record-breaking 2022 and World Pool can’t be happier to partner with Frankie.
Dettori spoke out about his ride at Saturday’s Saudi Cup. “I have rides in four of The Saudi Cup’s big Group races. We can hopefully take some of the prize money.
“I look forward to returning on TRAWLERMANin Red Sea Turf Handicap. I had a great time riding him to the Ebor at York in the summer. So hopefully he is in the same form. We might not be able to win the Ascot Gold Cup if Subjectivist is the same horse that he was two years ago. But he has been away from the track for a while.
“In the Saudi Derby, I’m teaming with Bob [Baffert] HAVNAMELTDOWN. Although he’s a very good horse, this is his first time over a mile. That’s the only thing that we don’t know. He has a lot of speed and likes to be in the lead. If he stays, he should run a big race.
” ELITE POWER comes into this race with five wins. He is a tough sprinter. Although I believe he is a great horse, it is difficult to gauge his chances against a lot of unknown opponents.
“I would love to win The Saudi Cup in the final year. COUNTRY GRAMMER is a solid contender. He has a lot of experience, never races in a bad race and showed he can handle conditions when he finished second last year. He has always had his sights set on the Dubai World Cup and Saudi Cup, and it was no surprise that he won the San Antonio Stakes in December.
World Pool’s reach has been extended in 2023, with the Lightning Stakes Day at Flemington being the first Australian meeting to become part of World Pool. This Saturday, the Saudi Cup will make its debut. World Pool, which is based at Newbury Racecourse, the UK, will also be open. Two races have been added to the World Pool season, Lockinge Stakes Day, 20 May.
The Irish Derby Day will be featured amongst 18 UK events and Irish events on July 2. This day will also feature the Deutsches Derby at Hamburg Horn, which marks the first World Pool race in Germany.
The World Pool betting turnover reached a new record of HK$6billion (approx. From HK$4.8 billion (approx.), PS622m was a significant increase in turnover. PS498m) in 2021 across 21 racedays. Derby Day at Epsom had the highest day of turnover with HK$66.1million (approx. PS6.8m – *note that turnover is in HK$ and the approximate pound sterling figures are based on current exchange rate.
