The World Pool, managed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), achieved remarkable milestones during the prestigious Royal Ascot event. This year’s edition saw unprecedented dividends and turnovers, setting new benchmarks in global horse racing betting.
Record Dividends and Turnovers:
Rashabar, steered by jockey Billy Loughnane, triumphed in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes, yielding a historic dividend of 129.90, far surpassing the Starting Price (SP) odds of 80/1. This victory marked the highest payout in any World Pool race since its inception in 2019.
Financial Highlights:
Gold Cup Day emerged as the peak of the week’s betting frenzy, generating HK$298.2 million (approximately $38.1 million) in turnover, closely followed by Prince of Wales’s Stakes Day and Commonwealth Cup Day. Throughout the week, the total turnover for World Pool bet types soared to HK$1.426 billion, showcasing immense global interest in the event.
Single-Race Turnover and Impact:
The Group 3 Jersey Stakes on Saturday recorded the highest turnover for a single race, amounting to HK$52.1 million, underscoring the betting community’s engagement and enthusiasm.
Jockey Championship and Charitable Contribution:
Billy Loughnane’s success in the Coventry Stakes catapulted him to the top of the World Pool Jockeys’ Championship standings, earning him 129.90 points. Expressing his delight, Loughnane pledged to donate his £50,000 charity prize to the Christy Lambe Foundation if he remains in the lead on Champions Day, highlighting the charitable spirit of the event.
Industry Response and Customer Benefits:
Alex Frost, CEO of the UK Tote, praised the collaborative efforts behind the event’s success, emphasizing the exceptional value provided to customers through larger pools and reduced overround percentages compared to traditional Industry SP.
The Royal Ascot event not only showcased thrilling horse racing but also demonstrated the growing influence and appeal of global betting pools orchestrated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s World Pool. As the season progresses, anticipation builds for further record-breaking performances and charitable contributions.