A major innovation in global racing is now a big part of New Zealand thoroughbred racing’s most iconic race, with Hong Kong Jockey Club’s World Pool the new naming rights sponsor for the Group 1 New Zealand Derby next month.

The 2400-metre race for three-year-olds, an integral part of the New Zealand racing landscape since the 19th century, will be held at Ellerslie in Auckland as part of the second-ever Champions Day on Saturday, 7 March.

Entain Australia and New Zealand has partnered with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) to deliver the HKJC World Pool New Zealand Derby.

By linking New Zealand's premier three-year-old staying race into HKJC’s global commingled pools, World Pool delivers access to a truly international betting audience, with up to 25 racing jurisdictions across the world betting into World Pool.

World Pool was part of the inaugural Champions Day last year, elevating the NZ Derby on the world stage and driving greater exposure for New Zealand racing.

Entain ANZ CEO Andrew Vouris said: “It is fitting to have HKJC World Pool as the naming sponsor for the iconic New Zealand Derby. Having World Pool in action at Ellerslie takes global engagement with the meeting to another level, and it’s pleasing we can recognise that through the race name.

Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, added: “New Zealand’s first year as part of the World Pool — becoming one of nine leading racing jurisdictions showcasing top‑class Group 1 races since its debut on this day in 2025 — has been a tremendous success. We are delighted to see our collaboration with our New Zealand partners continue to strengthen, further elevating New Zealand racing for our global customer base.”

The meeting includes two other Group 1 races, two Group 2 races including the Trackside Auckland Cup, a Group 3 race, and the $4m NZB Kiwi – a 1500m race open to New Zealand-bred three-year-olds.

World Pool will be operating on five premier races on the day, which is a flagship meeting for NZTR along with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, the host club at Ellerslie.

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing CEO Paul Wilcox said: “We are delighted that World Pool will be in action across these feature races — it’s a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on New Zealand racing at its very best."