Beefed-up World Pool presence to showcase Queensland winter carnival to globe

Queensland’s winter carnival continues its global rise with nine races across three race days to feature in the Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool fixture.

The Queensland winter carnival will be showcased to extra global viewers, with Doomben set to play host to World Pool meetings for the first time as part of a wider portfolio across three Group 1 race days.

Last year’s winter carnival was the first time the Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool featured in Queensland, with races from the Sunshine State beamed internationally and punters betting into a supercharged international parimutuel wagering pool.

It was an immediate success, with Queensland Derby Day at Eagle Farm combining with the Epsom Derby Day in the UK to set a then-record wagering turnover, with 12 races across the two race days generating $HK385.2 million (approx. $A74.2m).

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In 2025, Doomben will be part of the World Pool schedule for the first time with selected races on Saturday’s Group 1 Doomben 10,000 card and the following Saturday’s Group 1 Doomben Cup meeting included.

The races on both Doomben 10,000 and Doomben Cup days will create international double events alongside black-type racing from Newbury (UK) and The Curragh (Ireland) respectively.

Stradbroke Handicap Day will stand alone as the only World Pool fixture on June 14.

Stefi Magnetica holds off her rivals to win last year’s Stradbroke Handicap. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography

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The trio of meetings will form a total of nine races broadcast live to Hong Kong audiences and form one international parimutuel wagering pool for racing fans across the globe.

“World Pool is the most powerful vehicle we have to showcase Queensland racing to a truly global audience,” Brisbane Racing Club CEO Karl deKroo said.

“This year, nine of our premier races will be beamed into more than 25 jurisdictions and viewed by millions of punters and racing fans worldwide.

“We’re grateful to HKJC CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges and his team for their ongoing support in elevating Stradbroke Season to the global stage through World Pool.

World Pool returns May 17 for a double-header!

🇦🇺 Doomben 10,000 Day, @BrisRacingClub
🇬🇧 Lockinge Stakes Day, @NewburyRacing

Mark your calendars… 🌏🤝 #WorldPoolpic.twitter.com/jEozfVf2nY

— World Pool (@WorldPool) May 9, 2025

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“Our partnership with the HKJC continues to grow, and we’re proud to reach a major milestone with Doomben included in the World Pool schedule for the first time – a significant achievement for our club and our state.”

“World Pool delivers enormous benefits through global wagering liquidity, unprecedented international exposure, and stronger collaboration between racing jurisdictions.”

World Pool race footage for international viewers will be provided by BRC’s media rights partner, Sky Racing.