In operation at Kenilworth, South Africa, for its second year, turnover was up 8.3% from a figure of HK$257.9 million (£26.6m) in 2021. The Pongracz Cape Flying Championship was the most bet on race of the day, hitting a total of HK$42 million (£4.3m). The five bet types on offer as part of the World Pool on Met Day were: Win, Place, Quinella (first two in any order), Quinella Place, (two of the first three in any order) and Forecast.
Michael Fitzsimons, Executive Director Wagering Products of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: "We are delighted to kick off our biggest ever season of World Pool meetings with a record figure. With nine races spanning across five hours, Met Day in South Africa provides high-class action for punters across the globe to get involved in, so it's a perfect fit for the World Pool product.
"We now look forward to seeing how World Pool is received at our next two fixtures, Lightning Stakes Day at Flemington and The Saudi Cup Day in Riyadh, which are both new additions for 2023."
Gregory Bortz, Executive Chairman of Cape Racing, was very upbeat about the day as a whole. He said: "To have our country's next two stallions, Jet Dark and Kommetdieding, fight it out neck and neck in the finish of the Grade 1 WSB Cape Town Met in the last race of their illustrious careers is the stuff of fairytales! And on top of that, we were fortunate and honoured to have the opportunity to have the betting on our fantastic race day commingled into the World Pool.
"It was therefore no surprise to see strong betting turnover on our World Pool races, and we were delighted to see that turnover was up over 8% on last year. We remain extremely grateful to our friends at the Hong Kong Jockey Club for their constant loyalty and support for Cape Racing, and we look forward to our relationship going from strength to strength."
Earlier this week, the Hong Kong Jockey Club confirmed that World Pool will be extended further in 2023 with the addition of major fixtures, including Lightning Stakes Day in Australia, The Saudi Cup and the Irish Derby.
Lightning Stakes Day at Flemington on 18 February will be the second World Pool event of 2023, followed by Saudi Cup night in Riyadh on 25 February.
The opening quarter of the year now boasts five fixtures, rounded off with two visits to Meydan for Super Saturday (4 March) and Dubai World Cup Night (25 March).
