In this year’s World Pool UK and Ireland offering, there were a total of 19 races, including the Lockinge, the Irish Derby, and the Sun Chariot making their debut. Although the overall total was slightly lower than last year’s HK$4.9bn figure, it was still significantly higher than the HK3.9bn figure from 2021. The prize money won across the 131 World Pool races in the UK and Ireland reached a record high of £32m.
In the UK and Ireland, the international pari-mutuel pool can be accessed through the Tote, both at racecourses and online via the Tote App. Michael Fitzsimons, the executive director of wagering products at the HKJC, expressed his satisfaction with the positive reception of World Pool in the UK and Ireland. Despite the challenges posed by the economic backdrop, the turnover figures remain strong. There are many opportunities for further growth, and the plan is to expand the presence of World Pool to more flagship race days in the future.
The UK Tote, Racecourse Media Group, and Ascot Racecourse, who have been partners since the inception of World Pool in 2019, deserve recognition for their hard work in ensuring another successful season. Martin Stevenson, the chief executive of Racecourse Media Group (RMG), emphasized the significance of World Pool in generating increased revenues and prize money for British and Irish racing.
Outside of the UK and Ireland, World Pool races in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Australia all achieved record turnover numbers in 2023. In Australia, World Pool will be active for two more meetings this year, namely Cox Plate Day and Victoria Derby Day. The Caulfield Cup of this year set a new record in Australia for the highest turnover on a World Pool race, with HK$54.2m bet into the pool, surpassing the HKD$51.5m bet on the previous weekend’s Everest. Only two races, the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes and the Dubai World Cup, had larger pools this year.
