World Pool, managed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, has concluded its 2023 season with a significant 24% growth in turnover compared to the previous year, reaching HK$7.4 bn (£770 million/US$950 million/€890 million). This achievement underscores World Pool’s expanding global reach in the horse racing sector.
The season, which began and ended at Australia’s Flemington Racecourse, spanned eight countries and covered a total of 222 races, a notable increase from 154 in the prior year. 2023 marked a year of firsts for World Pool, with participation in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and Australia, and an increase in races from the UK and Ireland.
A standout moment was the inclusion of Cox Plate Day in Australia, where the G1 Cox Plate, won by Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior, drew HK$60 million in bets. This figure was among the top five highest single-race turnovers for World Pool.
Royal Ascot’s G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes set a new benchmark for single race turnover at HK$66.2 million, surpassing the 2022 record set by the Derby at Epsom. Additionally, King George Day at Ascot achieved a record turnover of HK$287 million, a 13% increase from the previous year, with the 2,000 Guineas Day and two days of Royal Ascot also showing year-on-year growth.
The Dubai World Cup night experienced substantial growth, with its turnover rising from HK$280 million to HK$315 million.
These milestones highlight World Pool’s successful expansion and its increasing influence across the international igaming landscape.
Michael Fitzsimons, Executive Director, Wagering Products of the HKJC, said: “World Pool was created to unite the world’s best racing events and provide racing fans with a value product that has never been seen before.
“We are absolutely delighted with how World Pool has performed in 2023. We’ve not only seen records broken and growth in countries where World Pool was already in operation, but a very promising reception in new jurisdictions too.
“We’d like to thank all of our partners around the world for their commitment and passion in helping us to grow World Pool. This is just the beginning.”
