World Pool, the international commingled betting pools hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, has now generated more than GBP 75m for UK and Irish racecourses since its debut at Royal Ascot in 2019. The total stood at GBP 65m after the 2025 season.
There were 34 World Pool race days in the UK and Ireland in 2026, covering 222 races, up from 25 fixtures and 161 races in 2025. Turnover on these fixtures rose 30% to a record HK$7.66bn.
Season highlights
- International (non-Hong Kong) turnover on Royal Ascot passed HK$500m for the first time, reaching HK$528.0m across 35 races, up 7%.
- Irish Derby Day set a new international turnover high of HK$53.7m across nine races at the Curragh, also up 7%.
- 53% of World Pool winners in the UK and Ireland returned a bigger price via the Tote than their starting price, and 67% of all runners beat SP.
- The highest Trifecta paid GBP 104,688.10 to a GBP 1 stake, in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot.
- Saffie Osborne won the 2026 World Pool Jockeys’ Championship, and World Pool gave more than GBP 100,000 to stable staff through its Moment of the Day awards.
Jon Knapman, Head of Commingling at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said:
“It has been another progressive year for World Pool in the UK and Ireland, with more fixtures and races than ever before being coupled with strong turnover, setting a new all-time high of HK$7.66 billion.”
“We’re delighted that Royal Ascot, where World Pool began in 2019, continues to be a driver of strong turnover growth, and international turnover breaking the HK$500 million mark is an indication of the global appeal of the UK’s premier Flat meeting. We’re also pleased to report strong turnover figures in Ireland, with Irish Derby Day continuing its growth this year.”
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