Queensland winter Group 1’s set to cash in as World Pool announced

Queensland will be the third state in Australia to host a World Pool meeting, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club sealing the deal with the Brisbane Racing Club.

Think About It was a major reason for getting the Kingsford Smith Cup and Stradbroke Handicap in the world’s top 100 races. Picture: Grant Peters — Trackside Photography.

Brisbane’s winter carnival will be showcased to the globe, with the World Pool set to host two meetings following their elevation into the world’s top 100 races.

In a boon for Queensland racing, it can be revealed it will be the third state in Australia to host a World Pool meeting, with Queensland Derby day set to have the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup and Queensland Derby simulcast into Hong Kong and the world along with the Group 3 Lord Mayors Cup and Fred Best Classic.

The time honoured Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap and Group 2 Q22 will also be beamed into Hong Kong on June 15, with racing at Sha Tin on the same day.

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The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s head of commingling Sam Nati said the expansion into Queensland was part of a long-term global vision for the club.

“We ultimately want to have a World Pool on all IFHA Top 100 Group 1 races,” Nati said.

“Given that the Kingsford Smith Cup and Stradbroke Handicap were in the list last year it gave us the perfect platform.”

Queensland and Hong Kong have had a strong connection over the years, with Hall of Fame trainer John Size formerly training at Deagon, while champion jockey Zac Purton won the premiership in Brisbane before moving south.

Think About It is set to return to Queensland for the Kingsford Smith Cup. Picture: Grant Guy.

Ben Thompson has recently made the move over from Brisbane and a number of current and former Queensland-born officials have worked for the club.

The Brisbane Racing Club is set to benefit from it, with host clubs receiving a percentage of turnover.

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“To join the World Pool is a milestone our club has worked towards with HKJC for over a decade through building strong relationships and innovating our program of feature races,” BRC chairman Neville Bell said.

“We are most grateful for this acknowledgment from Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges and his team who have worked closely with Sky Racing and our executives.

“Winfried’s vision and leadership in bringing jurisdictions together to promote racing around the world is unparalleled.”

Originally published as Queensland winter Group 1’s set to cash in as World Pool announced