The involvement of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and being able to bet into their World Pool was the icing on the cake for a successful Marshalls World of Sport Gold Cup raceday at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Saturday.
It was without doubt the best racing day on the South African racing calendar and a defining day when it came to the country’s premier racing awards.
The World Pool gave South African punters the opportunity to bet into massive tote pools on local races and added much to the occasion.
“Gold Circle’s turnover on the day more than doubled from last year’s pandemic-hit event which saw limited public attendance on-course and at tote outlets,” said Gold Circle’s CEO Michel Nairac. “Gold Circle looks forward to continuing the fruitful relationship with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and would like to thank them for affording the Gold Cup meeting World Pool status. We will be eternally grateful to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for the assistance they provide to the South African Horseracing industry” he added.
Fenyxx Gaming Consultants, Manging Director Dean Sawarjith, who has been responsible for the simulcast and World Pool initiative into Hong Kong, added, “the increased liquidity in the tote pools provides punters with the confidence to place their bets on the tote without materially affecting the dividends.
The gross turnover on the nine races simulcast in Hong Kong reached HKD 394,7m a 17% increase on the 2021 meeting, which reinforces the quality of South African racing on the global stage. It was fitting that this meeting achieved the highest turnovers for a World Pool meeting in Hong Kong.”
“The Champion’s Cup meeting turnover was a remarkable effort and truly highlights the universal appeal of World Pool. It has reinforced the brand objectives of promoting the best international racing events and maximising returns to the industry for prize money and other strategic investment benefits.” added Michael Fitzsimons, Acting Executive Director Customer & International Business Development for the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
The Mercury Sprint was again the top performing race, with turnovers reaching HKD51m
Three of the Grade 1 winners on the day will have cemented their place as the leading contenders in the country’s Equus Awards and the stretch duel between Jet Dark and Kommetdieding in the Gr1 HKJC World Pool Champion Stakes brought a fitting end to a record-breaking South African season with champion trainer Paul Peter breaking the record for the most number of winners in a season.
