In a seismic shift for the global horse racing community, Ryan Moore, the Longines World’s Leading Jockey, has been announced as the World of 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 commissioned horse racing pools. However, the announcement was overshadowed by a cryptic ultimatum from Aidan O’Brien, Moore’s longtime collaborator and trainer at Ballydoyle, who hinted at drastic measures if a mysterious “top secret plan” is not executed. The news sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving fans and insiders buzzing with speculation.

Moore, a 41-year-old British jockey renowned for more than 200 Group 1 victories worldwide, will leverage his ambassadorial role to provide exclusive insights through blogs and spearhead marketing campaigns for World Pool fixtures in 2025. His partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club underscores the growing influence of World Pool, which brought in HK$4.6 billion (approximately £455 million) in betting revenue 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 Rail Day. He expressed his enthusiasm for the role, saying: “World Pool has been such an important addition to the entire racing industry over the past few years, and I am delighted to be an ambassador for the brand.” The Hong Kong Jockey Club should be commended for all the effort and investment they have put into this.”

The announcement, however, came with an unexpected twist. Aidan O’Brien, the mastermind behind Ballydoyle’s dominance, issued a bold ultimatum that sparked intense curiosity. “If the top-secret plan is not implemented, I will decide to withdraw from major events,” O’Brien said, according to sources close to the racing circuit. While the details of this plan remain undisclosed, the statement has sparked debates about its implications. Could it involve strategic breed 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 improve liquidity and stabilize dividends. In 2024, World Pool contributed £50 million to British and Irish racecourse, a significant milestone that underscores its economic impact. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, congratulated Moore on his 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 international renown and respect is an ambassador to the world.”

The partnership between Moore and O’Brien, which has produced iconic victories such as the Epsom Derby and the Breeders’ Cup, is now under scrutiny. O’Brien’s ultimatum hints at underlying tensions, perhaps related to the pressures of maintaining Ballydoyle’s supremacy amid the global surge in pool. 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 plans 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 the World Pool Ambassador places him at the heart of these developments, making him a pivotal figure in navigating the sport’s future. Fans are encouraged 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.