World Pool’s overseas turnover grows 20 per cent as expansion rolls on

World Pool, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s internationally commingled betting platform, has confirmed a record-breaking year in 2025, with turnover on overseas races soaring by 20 per cent.

The global tote pool operated across 57 racedays outside Hong Kong, with total wagering reaching HK$9.3 billion (AU$1.77 billion), up from HK$7.8 billion in 2024.

Ka Ying Rising’s victory in The Everest set a record for single-race World Pool turnover, which reached HK$83 million (AU$15.8 million), eclipsing the previous high of HK$66.2 million set during the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

In total, 329 races were run under the World Pool banner in 2025, spanning 10 jurisdictions and featuring 70 contests ranked in the IFHA Top 100 over the past three years.

For the first time, all Hong Kong Group 1 races were included, contributing HK$1.6 billion to the overall World Pool turnover of HK$10.9 billion, the equivalent of over AU$2 billion.

“It’s been a very positive year for World Pool. We’ve had more racedays and jurisdictions involved than ever before, and we’ve seen turnover records broken too,” Andrew Harding, executive director of racing at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said:

“World Pool’s growth has played a key role in the globalisation of racing, delivering increased revenue streams for racecourses and rights holders, which leads to greater prize money.”

World Pool returns on January 10 with King’s Plate Day from South Africa. There are 19 meetings scheduled as World Pool events through the end of March across seven countries.

“Heading into 2026, we’re confident World Pool will continue to act as a positive force for racing globally. We’ll be confirming an expansion of fixtures very soon, bringing World Pool to even more racing fans in the new year,” Harding said.

World Pool also continued its Moment of the Day initiative in 2025, awarding HK$1.2 million to 30 grooms throughout the year.

Australian trainer-owner Kevin Daffy earned the Moment of the Year accolade after leading up Oh Too Good to victory in the Group 3 Jewellers Vase at Caulfield. 

Daffy will enjoy a VIP trip for four to Hong Kong in 2026.