World Pool turnover on the Derby increases but exchange rate means a drop in real-term value

World Pool turnover simultaneously increased and decreased on this year’s Derby with more money bet into the international pool, but with a lower value than a year ago.

Created by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the World Pool allows bettors in more than 28 racing jurisdictions to bet into a common market and reports its figures in Hong Kong dollars (HK$).

Last year, World Pool reported Derby turnover as HK$51.8 million – stating this as equivalent to £5.2m – and total Epsom turnover as HK$264.5m (£26.6m). However, while turnover on this year’s Derby, won by Lambourn, was up five per cent to HK$54,403,320, the pool's real-terms value was lower than last year with it equating to £5.13m at current exchange rates.

The flat figures for the Derby were mirrored for the whole Epsom card. This year’s turnover of HK$267.1m, up one per cent on 2024, is equal to £25.174m at this year’s exchange rate compared to £26.6m last year.

Attendance levels and the structure of this year’s Derby fixture have been under scrutiny since Saturday, with crowds down by 17 per cent compared to last year and complaints voiced about the perceived homologous nature of the races.

Sam Nati, HKJC head of commingling, said: “Given the unsettled weather and a significant non-runner on the day in the shape of Ruling Court, we’re delighted to see World Pool turnover figures up on last year and would like to thank Epsom and the Jockey Club for all their hard work.

“Punters were treated to good field sizes throughout the day, and in particular for the Derby, which is always great to see.”

Jim Allen, Epsom’s general manager, said “everything’s on the table” in terms of revamping the Derby after this year’s fixture, but was encouraged by the World Pool figures.

“It’s fantastic to see the World Pool turnover figures up on last year, with the biggest Derby field since 2017,” said Allen. “More broadly, the Jockey Club looks forward to partnering with World Pool for additional races in 2025 and beyond.”

The Jockey Club will host two additional World Pool races this year, with the Listed Hopeful Stakes and one other race at Newmarket on August 22 featuring alongside the third day of York’s Ebor meeting.

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