British Champions Day contributes to record £48M turnover for HKJC

This is a press release posted in addition to our usual editorial content.

Turnover on World Pool bet-types across the 12 races from Randwick, Caulfield and Ascot on Saturday reached a record high for a single day’s racing according to the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

A total of HK$424.1m (£48m) was staked from over 28 countries, eclipsing the previous record of HK$385.2m (approx. £38m) set when 12 races from the Queensland and Epsom Derby meetings took place under the World Pool banner earlier this year.

Ascot’s six races generated HK$200m (£19.75m) of the HK$424.1m, which is in line with 2023’s British Champions Day turnover of HK$202.7m.

Michael Fitzsimons, Executive Director, Wagering Products at the HKJC, said: “Saturday’s action certainly got the pulse racing. The big-field Group 1 contests from Randwick, Caulfield and Ascot lined up a perfect day of action for punters across the globe and we’re delighted to see turnover hit a new record high.

“It was only World Pool’s second ever three-fixture composite card and it was hugely encouraging that the action from Australia and the UK really caught the attention of our global customers, showing the extent of interest in top-class racing across the globe.”

Rod Street, CEO of British Champions Series, said: “We are delighted that QIPCO British Champions Day contributed to a record day of turnover. Our high-class, big-field races created an attractive betting proposition for punters worldwide. As premier racing events become increasingly important on the global stage, we are thrilled that our raceday grows in relevance to a wider audience through its association with World Pool.”

World Pool generated £50 million in contributions to UK & Irish racecourses

Last week, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced that contributions as a result of World Pool to UK and Irish racecourses have surpassed £50 million, while initiatives, such as the World Pool Moment of the Day and World Pool Jockeys’ Championship have seen the HKJC return over £300,000 to stable staff and charity.

You can find more info on HKJC’s £50 million contribution here.

Loughnane claims £50,000 prize as HKJC surpasses £300,000 in charitable initiatives

On Saturday, Billy Loughnane triumphed in the inaugural UK & Ireland World Pool Jockeys’ Championship, which awarded a £50,000 charity donation to the winning jockey. Loughnane donated the prize to The Christy Lambe Foundation.

You can find more info on Billy Loughnane’s victory here.

British Champions Day, held at Ascot Racecourse in October, has proven to be a major contributor to the record £48 million turnover for the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) this year. The event, which showcases some of the best horses in the world competing for prestigious titles and lucrative prize money, has become a key fixture on the international racing calendar.

The success of British Champions Day can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the quality of the competition is second to none, with top-class horses from around the world vying for glory in races such as the Champion Stakes, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, and the Sprint Stakes. The presence of superstar horses like Enable, Stradivarius, and Battaash has helped to attract a global audience and generate significant interest in the event.

In addition to the high-quality racing on offer, British Champions Day also boasts a festive atmosphere with live music, entertainment, and a variety of food and drink options. This has helped to attract a diverse range of spectators, from hardcore racing fans to casual punters looking for a fun day out.

The partnership between Ascot Racecourse and the HKJC has also played a key role in the success of British Champions Day. The HKJC is one of the largest and most successful racing organizations in the world, with a strong reputation for hosting top-class events and providing an exceptional experience for racegoers. By working together, Ascot and the HKJC have been able to leverage their respective strengths and resources to create a world-class racing event that appeals to a broad audience.

The record £48 million turnover for the HKJC is a testament to the growing popularity and success of British Champions Day. The event has become a must-see fixture on the international racing calendar, attracting top-class horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world. With its combination of high-quality racing, entertainment, and festive atmosphere, British Champions Day looks set to continue to grow in popularity and cement its status as one of the premier racing events in the world.