Two Group 1 features across the Queensland Racing Carnival will now be part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool simulcast schedule, forming one international parimutuel wagering pool for racing fans across the globe.
Four races will be broadcast to Hong Kong on Ladbrokes Derby Day on June 1, including the Group 1 EVA Air Kingsford Smith Cup and Group 1 Ladbrokes Queensland Derby.
On June 15, the broadcast will include the Group 2 HKJC World Pool Q22 and Queensland’s iconic handicap sprint, the $3 million Group 1 The Star Stradbroke - with race footage will be provided by BRC’s media rights partner Sky Racing.
Brisbane Racing Club Chairman Neville Bell said the Club was humbled to be included in the HKJC’s simulcast schedule and proud to showcase Queensland’s best racing to new audiences.
“The broadcast of races from The Star Stradbroke Season is a wonderful endorsement from the Hong Kong Jockey Club of our carnival’s standing on the global racing landscape," Mr Bell said.
“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 programme of feature races.
“We are most grateful for this acknowledgement 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.”
Hong Kong’s 12-time champion trainer John Size and leading jockey Zac Purton both had successful stints in Queensland, while Brisbane-based jockey Ben Thompson has recently begun to make his mark.
Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Executive Director - Wagering Michael Fitzsimons added the partnership further strengthened the links which Brisbane and Hong Kong Racing have enjoyed for many years.
“We can now extend this connection to include World Pool,” he said.
“It has been a very successful season in Australia and it’s great to be adding a third state to the World Pool roster.
“The commingling partnership with Tabcorp Queensland has grown over the past 12 months and this continues the momentum.”
BRC Chief Executive Officer Tony Partridge thanked the Hong Kong Jockey Club for their contribution to the development of key BRC personnel and welcomed more opportunities to work closely together.
“The generosity of the HKJC in sharing their expertise has been of significant benefit to our club and we look forward to reciprocating with initiatives such as training programs for Hong Kong apprentice jockeys," Mr Partridge said.
“We are grateful that our partnership now extends to showcasing our flagship races including the Q22 which has been a tremendous success in its short inception and will be sponsored this year by the HKJC World Pool.
"In many respects The Star Stradbroke Handicap represents Brisbane racing and in the space of 12 months prize money has doubled to $3 million, while being recognised in the top 100 Group 1of the world for the first time.
"Now, The Star Stradbroke will feature in Queensland racing’s first broadcast of World Pool races to Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong racing fans have known Sydney and Melbourne racing for years but now with the help of HKJC, Hong Kong fans will come to associate Brisbane with Group 1 racing which can only help to promote Brisbane as a city for racing and in the lead up to the Olympics in Brisbane in 2032.”