World Pool turnover hits HK$1.27 billion for Q1

World Pool turned over a total of HK$1.27bn (approx. $161.8m) across its five fixtures for Q1, with year-on-year turnover for the quarter increasing by 70 percent on 2022’s Q1 total of HK$745.4m (approx. $94.9m).

Globally commingled bets from over 20 countries saw an average of HK$254m (approx. $32.6m) bet on each of the five fixtures – Met Day, Lightning Stakes Day, The Saudi Cup, Dubai Super Saturday and the Dubai World Cup – with the Dubai World Cup card attracting the highest turnover of HK$315.2m (approx. $40.2m).

Met Day from Kenilworth, Dubai Super Saturday and The Dubai World Cup all saw increases in turnover from 2022, with The Dubai World Cup card achieving the highest growth of 12 percent, up HK$33.6m.

The Dubai World Cup itself recorded the highest turnover of any race in Q1 with HK$54.5m (approx. $6.9m) bet on the contest, while The Saudi Cup (HK$48.4m) and the Dubai Sheema Classic (HK$46.5m) ranked second and third.

New fixtures for 2023, Lightning Stakes Day and The Saudi Cup, both yielded strong turnover figures of HK$253m (approx. $33.2m) and HK$197.8m (approx. $25.2m), respectively.

Equinox returned the shortest priced winner of Q1, winning the Dubai Sheema Classic at odds of 1.6, and Dubai World Cup night also produced the longest priced winner, with Danyah at 69.7 winning the Al Quoz Sprint.

World Pool returns to UK for Q2

World Pool will next be in operation for 2000 Guineas Day from Newmarket on 6 May, one of eight UK fixtures in Q2.

Punters from over 20 countries will once again be able to bet into huge global pools for Derby Day (3 June) from Epsom as well as all five days of Royal Ascot (20 – 24 June), while World Pool will make its debut at Newbury for Lockinge Stakes Day on 20 May

Last year’s Commonwealth Cup Day from Royal Ascot currently holds the record for highest turnover, with bets totalling HK$351.8m (approx. $44.8m/£36.2m) placed across the seven-race card.

Mr. Michael Fitzsimons, Executive Director, Wagering Products, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “World Pool continues to grow year-on-year and results from Q1 have been excellent, with growth across all fixtures as well as strong turnover at new fixtures that were added this year.

“We now look forward to returning to the UK for a busy Q2 period, which includes all five days of Royal Ascot, where we have seen our strongest turnover figures in the past.

“We’re hopeful of building on the strong performance of Q1, while continuing to offer an unrivalled product in terms of liquidity and value for punters around the world.”