TAB and TOTE customers can bet into the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s massive World Pool tote on two mega racing events this Saturday.
The first is the $20-million TAB Everest, the world’s richest race on turf, over 1200m at Randwick in Sydney at 07:15 SA time on Saturday.
The Everest (Race 7) is the highlight of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival and 12 runners will face the starter in a contest in which the draw plays key role.
That’s why Hong Kong trainer David Hayes was over the moon when his star charge Ka Ying Rising landed barrier seven in the draw for starting-gate positions, which was done via a spectacular drone show backgrounded by Sydney’s Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Ka Ying Rising races outside of Hong Kong for the first time, but is set to start odds-on favourite as he bids for his 14th straight victory. "I think it's a great barrier," said Hayes, son of legendary Australian trainer Colin. "Zac Purton will be able to make a choice whether he goes all the way forward or follows the speed."
All TAB-TOTE Win, Place, Quinella and Swinger bets on Races 6 to 10 at Randwick will be commingled into the Hong Kong World Pool. All other bets on the meeting will be commingled with Tabcorp as normal with Trifecta bets, and no Swinger bets, on Races 1 to 5 only. The meeting starts at 03:30.
Later on Saturday comes the QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot. Billed as the “Ultimate Raceday”, this is the grand finale of the British flat season and it’s a high-quality seven-race programme including five Group 1 clashes and over R100 million in prize money.
The QIPCO Champion Stakes over 2000m is the headline event and promises to be one of the races of the year. Ombudsman and Coral-Eclipse hero Delacroix, first and second in August’s Juddmonte International, renew rivalry but face a tough rival in Calandagan, winner of the King George and runner-up in this race last year.
All TAB-TOTE Win, Place, Exacta, Quinella, Swinger and Trifecta bets on Races 2 to 7 will be commingled into the Hong Kong World Pool. Race 1 bets will be commingled with the UK Tote as normal with South African Quartet, Place Accumulator and Jackpot pools.