Finalists announced for World Pool Moment Of The Year

Stable staff of horses trained in Australia and Japan are in contention towin the coveted World Pool Moment of the Year.

A record 30 World Pool Moment of the Day prizes were awarded this year, including in Britain and Ireland, with the stable staff of the winning horse receiving a cheque for HK$40,000.

You can read more on each 2025 World Pool Moment of the Day winners by clicking HERE. 

Now, only four finalists remain in the running to be scoop the World Pool Moment of the Year, with the stable staff of Forever Young, Asfoora, Oh Too Good and Via Sistina in contention to win a VIP trip for four next year.

The winner, determined by a public vote, will be announced during LONGINES Hong Kong International Races week (December 8–14). Voting closes on December 1.

The winning stable team will receive four premium economy return flights, five-night stay at a 4-star hotel, and exclusive hospitality at the Happy Valley and Sha Tin race meetings during either Hong Kong’s Champions Day or Hong Kong International Races.

Last year, groom David Hickey won the Moment of the Year for City Of Troy’s superb triumph in the Derby at Epsom, where the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt proved any doubters wrong after his disappointment run in the 2000 Guineas.

Other previous winners of the Moment of the Year have been Equinox’s groom Tomohiro Kusunoki for the Japanese colt’s brilliant win in the 2023 G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, while the inaugural competition saw the UK’s Annabel Willis win the award, following Alpinista’s stirring victory in the 2022 Yorkshire Oaks.

World Pool, the globe’s largest commingled horse racing pools created and powered by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, have awarded HK$1.2 million to grooms and stable staff in 2025. 

Yasuhiro Shibuta, groom of FOREVER YOUNG, winner of the Saudi Cup in February at King Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabi

Chenelle Ellis, groom of ASFOORA, winner of the Nunthorpe Stakes in August at York, United Kingdom

Kevin Daffy, trainer and groom of OH TOO GOOD, winner of the Catanach’s Jewellers (Ladies Day) Vase in October at Caulfield, Australia

Candice Persijn, groom of VIA SISTINA, winner of the G1 Cox Plate on 25 October 2025 at Moonee Valley, Australia