In a seismic shift for the global horse racing community, Ryan Moore, the four-time LONGINES World’s Best Jockey, has been announced as the World Pool Ambassador for the 2025 season. This prestigious role, powered by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, positions Moore as a central figure in promoting the world’s largest commingled horse racing pools. However, the announcement has been overshadowed by a cryptic ultimatum from Aidan O’Brien, Moore’s long-time collaborator and trainer at Ballydoyle, who has hinted at drastic measures if a mysterious “top secret plan” is not executed. The news has sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving fans and insiders buzzing with speculation.

Moore, a 41-year-old British jockey renowned for over 200 Group 1 victories worldwide, will leverage his ambassadorial role to provide exclusive insights through blogs and spearhead marketing campaigns for World Pool’s 2025 fixtures. His partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club underscores the growing influence of World Pool, which reported a staggering HK$4.6 billion (approximately £455 million) in betting turnover in 2024. Moore’s involvement is expected to amplify the global reach of major racing events, from Royal Ascot to new additions like New Zealand’s Railway Stakes Day. He expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating, “World Pool has been such an important addition to the entire racing industry over the past few years, and I’m delighted to be an ambassador for the brand. The Hong Kong Jockey Club should be congratulated for all the effort and investment they’ve put into it.”

The announcement, however, comes with an unexpected twist. Aidan O’Brien, the mastermind behind Ballydoyle’s dominance, issued a bold ultimatum that has sparked intense curiosity. “If the top secret plan is not implemented, I will decide to withdraw from major events,” O’Brien declared, according to sources close to the racing circuit. While details of this plan remain undisclosed, the statement has ignited debates about its implications. Could it involve strategic race selections, new training methodologies, or even a restructuring of Ballydoyle’s operations? The lack of clarity has only fueled speculation, with industry insiders suggesting that O’Brien’s threat could disrupt the global racing calendar.

Moore’s appointment as ambassador aligns with World Pool’s ambitious expansion plans. The initiative, which began with Royal Ascot in 2019, now spans 28 countries, offering punters access to massive betting pools that enhance liquidity and stabilize dividends. In 2024, World Pool contributed £50 million to British and Irish racecourses, a milestone that underscores its economic impact. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, praised Moore’s appointment, saying, “Ryan Moore has been at the pinnacle of our sport for many years, and it is fitting that a world-class jockey of such international renown and respect is an ambassador for World Pool. His advocacy of World Pool’s positive impact on horse racing globally aligns with our vision.”

The partnership between Moore and O’Brien, which has yielded iconic victories like the Epsom Derby and the Breeders’ Cup, is now under scrutiny. O’Brien’s ultimatum hints at underlying tensions, possibly related to the pressures of maintaining Ballydoyle’s supremacy amid World Pool’s global push. Moore, known for his tactical brilliance and calm demeanor, has remained tight-lipped about the controversy, focusing instead on his ambassadorial duties. In a recent blog, he previewed his rides for the Dubai World Cup, showcasing his commitment to engaging fans with expert insights.

As the 2025 season approaches, the horse racing world is left grappling with questions. Will O’Brien follow through on his threat to withdraw from major events? What is the nature of the “top secret plan” that could alter the sport’s landscape? Moore’s role as World Pool Ambassador places him at the heart of these developments, making him a pivotal figure in navigating the sport’s future. Fans are urged to follow his blogs for updates on key races, from Saudi Cup Day to Hong Kong’s Group 1 events, as the drama unfolds. The racing community waits with bated breath, eager to see how this high-stakes saga will reshape the global stage.