Saudi Cup Program Handles $25.2M Over Six Group Races

World Pool's first meeting in Saudi Arabia Feb. 25 was greeted by globally commingled wagering of approximately $25.2 million across the six group races offered via pari-mutuel organizations from over 20 countries.

The world's most valuable race, The Saudi Cup (G1), captured by Japan's Dubai Turf  (G1T) winner Panthalassa , was the most bet-on contest at approximately $6.2 million, higher than any race commingled at either of the first two World Pool racedays of the year in South Africa and Australia. 

Panthalassa's wire-to-wire victory in the $20 million feature, his first success on dirt, was also chosen as the World Pool Moment of the Day, meaning groom Yasuhiro Ikeda will receive a check for approximately $5,100.

Ikeda will now have the chance to win a VIP trip to Hong Kong next year should Panthalassa's Saudi Cup triumph be named World Pool Moment of the Year.

Sam Nati, head of commingling 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 March 4.