Key Moments:
- World Pool has brought in more than £75 million for UK and Irish racecourses since its inception at Royal Ascot in 2019.
- Turnover for British and Irish fixtures reached a record HK$7.66 billion this season, marking a 30% year-on-year increase.
- Saffie Osborne secured the 2026 World Pool Jockeys’ Championship title with 186.30 points and 13 wins.
World Pool Achieves New Revenue Milestones
A busier calendar of racing events has resulted in World Pool achieving its most successful season to date in Britain and Ireland. Since its launch at Royal Ascot in 2019, World Pool, the commingled betting initiative operated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), has generated over £75 million for UK and Irish racecourses. This comes as turnover on this year’s fixtures in Britain and Ireland surged by 30% to hit a record HK$7.66 billion, according to figures from the HKJC.
Expansion of Fixtures and Surpassing Records
World Pool increased its coverage to 34 race days in the UK and Ireland in 2026, up from 25 fixtures the previous year, encompassing 222 races compared to 161 the year before. Following the 2025 season, contributions to racecourses stood at £65 million.
International betting turnover, excluding Hong Kong, exceeded HK$500 million for Royal Ascot for the first time, totaling HK$528 million across 35 races, a 7% increase over 2025. Irish Derby Day at the Curragh also reached a record with HK$53.7 million wagered over nine races, the third consecutive annual uptick.
| Year | Race Days | Total Races | Turnover (HK$) | Racecourse Contribution (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 25 | 161 | — | £65 million |
| 2026 | 34 | 222 | 7.66 billion | Over £75 million (cumulative since 2019) |
Market Performance and Value for Bettors
Across UK and Irish pools, 53% of winners in World Pool races provided a return higher than the official starting price (SP), with 67% of all runners beating the SP. Significant payouts included Almeraq in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, returning 39.25 compared to a 25/1 SP, Item in the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at 13.60 versus 10/1, and Alphonse Le Grande in the Cesarewitch at 30.25 over an 18/1 SP.
The largest World Pool Trifecta paid out £104,688.10 from a £1 stake in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. For all UK and Irish World Pool events, the Tote guaranteed to match the SP if World Pool odds were lower on any horse.
Saffie Osborne Tops 2026 Jockeys’ Championship
Saffie Osborne claimed the 2026 World Pool Jockeys’ Championship, amassing 186.30 points and securing 13 wins. She finished ahead of ambassador Ryan Moore (103.85) and Billy Loughnane (101.50). Of Osborne’s rides, 78% paid out above SP with World Pool. On British Champions Day at Ascot, Osborne divided her £50,000 charity prize between HEROS and Lambourn Riding for the Disabled.
Acknowledging Outstanding Achievements
During the season, 26 Moment of the Day winners were recognized in the UK and Ireland, with each recipient — representing stable staff — awarded £4,000 or €4,500. This brought the total payout for the initiative to more than £100,000.
Perspectives from the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Jon Knapman, head of commingling at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, commented:
‘These strong figures help provide a key funding mechanism for the sport, and we’re proud to report that World Pool revenue generated for UK and Irish racecourses since 2019 has now surpassed £75 million.’
Knapman further noted that Royal Ascot’s global popularity continued to drive turnover growth, with international turnover at the meeting topping HK$500 million. This season also saw World Pool bolstering its European reach by appointing Mickaël Barzalona as ambassador for French racing and welcoming new data deals in the UK racing market, such as Podium’s agreement with Bet Ahoy.
- Author
Daniel Williams
