British Champions Day part of new record turnover

World Pool

23/10/2024

12-race composite card from Australia and UK generates $424.1m (£48m) in World Pool betting turnover

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  Ascot Racecourse hosted the final World Pool fixture of the UK & Irish Flat season on Saturday. (Credit: Focus On Racing)

Wednesday 23rd October, 2024 – Turnover on World Pool bet-types across the 12 races from Randwick, Caulfield and Ascot on Saturday reached a record high for a single day’s racing.

A total of HK$424.1m (£48m) was staked from over 28 countries, eclipsing the previous record of HK$385.2m (approx. £38m) set when 12 races from the Queensland and Epsom Derby meetings took place under the World Pool banner earlier this year.

Ascot’s six races generated HK$200m (£19.75m) of the HK$424.1m, which is in line with 2023’s British Champions Day turnover of HK$202.7m.

Michael Fitzsimons, Executive Director, Wagering Products at the HKJC, said: “Saturday’s action certainly got the pulse racing. The big-field Group 1 contests from Randwick, Caulfield and Ascot lined up a perfect day of action for punters across the globe and we’re delighted to see turnover hit a new record high.

“It was only World Pool’s second ever three-fixture composite card and it was hugely encouraging that the action from Australia and the UK really caught the attention of our global customers, showing the extent of interest in top-class racing across the globe.”

Rod Street, CEO of British Champions Series, said: “We are delighted that QIPCO British Champions Day contributed to a record day of turnover. Our high-class, big-field races created an attractive betting proposition for punters worldwide. As premier racing events become increasingly important on the global stage, we are thrilled that our raceday grows in relevance to a wider audience through its association with World Pool.”

World Pool generated £50 million in contributions to UK & Irish racecourses

Last week, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced that contributions as a result of World Pool to UK and Irish racecourses have surpassed £50 million, while initiatives, such as the World Pool Moment of the Day and World Pool Jockeys’ Championship have seen the HKJC return over £300,000 to stable staff and charity.

More info on HKJC’s £50 million contribution here.

Loughnane claims £50,000 prize as HKJC surpasses £300,000 in charitable initiatives

On Saturday, Billy Loughnane triumphed in the inaugural UK & Ireland World Pool Jockeys’ Championship, which awarded a £50,000 charity donation to the winning jockey. Loughnane donated the prize to The Christy Lambe Foundation.

More info on Billy Loughnane’s victory here.