World Pool revenue tops £75 million for Britain and Ireland racecourses

World Pool has generated more than £75 million for British and Irish racecourses since its introduction at Royal Ascot in 2019, with turnover across its expanded 2026 program reaching a record HK$7.66 billion.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club-operated commingling initiative delivered a 30 per cent increase in turnover across 34 race days and 222 races in Britain and Ireland this season, compared with 25 fixtures and 161 races in 2025.

Royal Ascot remained a major driver of growth, with international turnover reaching HK$528 million across its 35 races, a seven per cent increase and the first time the meeting had surpassed HK$500 million since World Pool began.

The Irish Derby meeting at the Curragh also recorded a new international turnover high, with HK$53.7 million commingled across nine races, up seven per cent on the previous year.

World Pool head of commingling Jon Knapman said the expansion in fixtures and races, coupled with stronger turnover, reflected the growing international appeal of British and Irish racing.

He said the latest figures showed the importance of World Pool as a funding mechanism for the sport, with contributions to racecourses rising to £75 million after standing at £65 million at the end of last season.