World Pool takes sponsorship of NZ Derby

The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s World Pool has secured naming‑rights sponsorship of the Group 1 New Zealand Derby.

The 2400‑metre feature will be run at Ellerslie in Auckland on Saturday, 7 March as part of the second Champions Day program.

Entain Australia and New Zealand has partnered with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) to stage the HKJC World Pool New Zealand Derby, linking the country’s premier staying contest for three‑year‑olds into globally commingled betting pools.

World Pool operated at the inaugural Champions Day in 2024 and Entain ANZ chief executive Andrew Vouris said the partnership underscores the Derby’s stature.

“It is fitting to have HKJC World Pool as the naming sponsor for the iconic New Zealand Derby. Having World Pool in action at Ellerslie takes global engagement with the meeting to another level, and it’s pleasing we can recognise that through the race name,” he said.

HKJC chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges praised the continuing collaboration.

“New Zealand’s first year as part of the World Pool … has been a tremendous success. We are delighted to see our collaboration … further elevating New Zealand racing for our global customer base.”

Champions Day also features two additional Group 1 races, two Group 2 events including the Trackside Auckland Cup, a Group 3 race, and the $4 million NZB Kiwi. World Pool will operate on five premier races.

“We are delighted that World Pool will be in action across these feature races — it’s a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on New Zealand racing at its very best,” Auckland Thoroughbred Racing CEO Paul Wilcox said.