The Saudi Cup Generates Record-Breaking World Pool Turnover in 2023

The World Pool’s inaugural meeting in Saudi Arabia on Saturday attracted impressive global commingled turnover of HK$197,800,886 (approximately $25.2 million) across the six Group races offered via pari-mutuel organizations from over 20 countries.

The most bet on race of the night was The Saudi Cup (G1), the world’s most valuable race, which saw Japan’s Dubai Turf winner, Panthalassa, emerge as the winner and generated a turnover of HK$48,388,160 (approximately $6.2 million). This figure surpassed the commingled turnover of any race at the first two World Pool racedays of the year in South Africa and Australia.

The locally-trained King Commissioner emerged as the winner of the Saudi Derby (G3), the fourth World Pool race of the night, which generated a turnover of HK$34,632,172 (approximately $4.1 million), making it the second highest turnover race of the night. Meanwhile, the Red Sea Turf Handicap also witnessed a high turnover of HK$30,448,420 (approximately $3.9 million).

In addition, the newly-announced World Pool ambassador, Frankie Dettori, rode Elite Power to victory in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G3), which generated a turnover of HK$29,332,759 (approximately $3.7 million).

Panthalassa’s victory in the US$20 million feature was selected as the World Pool Moment of the Day, and groom Yasuhiro Ikeda will receive a cheque of HK$40,000 (approximately $5,100) as a result. If Panthalassa’s Saudi Cup victory is named World Pool Moment of the Year, Ikeda will have the opportunity to win a VIP trip to Hong Kong next year.

Sam Nati, Head of Comminging 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 stop is Meydan Racecourse for the Dubai Super Saturday meeting on Saturday 4th March. 

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