The G1 Derby win of City Of Troy (Justify) at Epsom in the spring was voted the World Pool Moment of the Year by the public. A total of 48% votes were received for the moment. The £4,000 prize goes to City Of Troy's groom, David Hickey, who has received–along with three friends–a VIP trip to Hong Kong in 2025.
Hickey said, “Winning the £4,000 World Pool Moment of the Day was a huge reward, so to be named Moment of the Year is even more special and I'm now looking forward to a trip to Hong Kong. I think I'll head out there in March for the Derby, so it should be great fun.”
Added Hickey of his charge's Blue Riband score, “A fantastic day that I'll never forget. He's the most genuine horse that you could ever have anything to do with. I'm mad about him and it's been a pleasure looking after him.”
Said trainer Aidan O'Brien of Hickey, “David is a special fella, always has been. The line of horses he's looked after and led up is incredible; Yeats (Ire), Galileo (Ire), many more, and if course City Of Troy, who we think is the best we've ever had.
“David is big, relaxed and has a great understanding of a horse. Things don't upset him, he's very calm and he's unique in the way that he can influence horses. Not only that, he's a leading trainer of greyhounds in our area. He gets up early and trains them before starting his work on the horses, so that tells you something about his work ethic.”
In total, there were 24 World Pool Moment of the Day prizes awarded this year, with each winning groom receiving a cheque for £4,000, meaning World Pool has returned a total of £96,000 grooms and racing stables this season.
Michael Fitzsimons, executive director, wagering products at the HKJC, said, “We're proud to have highlighted 24 outstanding equine performances this year, not only that but also the tireless work and achievement of grooms that are the unsung heroes of thoroughbred racing.
“The Hong Kong Jockey Club takes pride in giving back to the community, so we're delighted to have contributed nearly £100,000 over the course of this year to grooms from South Africa, Great Britain, Ireland, Dubai and Australia in the form of our World Pool Moment of the Day initiative.
“Choosing between the four finalists can't have been an easy task, but City Of Troy's Derby win is clearly one that resonated most with many people, and goes down as a very worthy Moment of the Year winner. We now look forward to welcoming David Hickey and friends to Hong Kong next year.”
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