'It's an exciting advancement' - Newbury added to World Pool's global network

World Pool, a collaboration between global totes and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, has increased its number of fixtures this year, with Lockinge day at Newbury a significant addition.

The new dates also include Lightning Stakes Day in Australia, the Saudi Cup, and the Irish Derby at the Curragh.

For the first time, World Pool, which allows punters from all over the world to bet into a single pool, bringing them together into one multi-million pound pool betting experience, will be in operation at Newbury, with two races on Lockinge day in May.

Coverage of Irish Derby day will also include the Deutsches Derby at Hamburg-Horn, marking the first World Pool race from Germany.

World Pool betting turnover last year hit a new high of £622 million, up from £498m in 2021, across the 21 racedays which were commingled, while Derby day at Epsom recorded the single highest day of turnover of £6.8m.

Martin Stevenson, chief executive officer of Racecourse Media Group, which represents the media interests of the Jockey Club, Newbury, Goodwood and York racecourses, said: "RMG is delighted to partner with Hong Kong Jockey Club, UK Tote and our racecourses to bring 11 high-quality British and Irish days to the innovative and important World Pool schedule. RMG looks forward to working with all the parties in growing both the sport’s revenues and global appeal."

Michael Fitzsimons, executive director wagering products of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “Having Australia and Saudi Arabia on the fixture list of 2023 World Pool meetings is another important step in the globalisation of World Pool, while adding some high-profile British and Irish meetings to the schedule is another exciting advancement.”

Alex Frost: "World Pool season which now extends its reach across eight countries worldwide"

World Pool is operated by the Tote in Britain, and Alex Frost, chief executive of the UK Tote Group, said: “We are looking forward to another World Pool season which now extends its reach across eight countries worldwide.

“For the UK and Ireland, it is welcome to see new additions to this year’s schedule, with two races from Newbury’s Lockinge day added, along with Irish Derby day, taking World Pool events hosted in the UK and Ireland to a total of 18. 

“The ambitions for a global wagering platform are already being realised with over 20 pool betting operators now part of World Pool.”

Read more: 

'Illogical and disproportionate intrusion' - owners slam affordability checks  

Minister rebukes Gambling Commission over intrusive affordability checks  

Members' Club special offer: 50% off three months  

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets