This Saturday at Leopardstown, the first day of Longines Irish Champions Weekend promises to be one of the biggest global betting days ever staged in Ireland.
With the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes as the centrepiece, the day is once again going to be part of the World Pool with volumes expected to significantly exceed the €22million gross turnover generated in 2021.
World Pool was created by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and is a collaboration of over 20 pool betting operators. The result is huge liquidity and a multi-million-pound betting experience. World Pool is proving increasingly popular with racing fans and generates a significant financial return for racing.
Not only does World Pool help further internationalise the sport and shine the global spotlight on participating racecourses, but it also generates critical betting revenue and increased media rights for the sport.
World Pool is accessed via Tote Ireland. Bets can be placed on World Pool events at the racecourse, online at tote.ie or tote.co.uk, as well as at the Tote App or via bookmakers, the majority of whom accept Tote bets online and in shops.
Additionally, all customers betting with the Tote, both online or at the racecourse, not only benefit from World Pool, but also benefit from Tote Guarantee which ensures all Win bets will always match the Starting Price or exceed it if the pool price is bigger.
Customers betting directly with the Tote online receive an extra 10% boost on winning bets via Tote+.
Last year’s World Pool on Day 1 of Longines Irish Champions Weekend generated a Gross Turnover of €22.2 million with race 7, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Petingo” Handicap (Premier Handicap) having the biggest turnover of €3.3 million.
World Pool days on British race days in 2022 have seen a gross turnover volume increase of 50% compared to 2021, so volumes on Day 1 of Longines Irish Champions Weekend could grow to beyond €30 million.
New for this year, “World Pool Moment of the Day” will celebrate the most exciting moments on the track throughout the week. Decided by an industry representative, the member of racing staff from the yard who looks after the horse awarded “World Pool Moment of the Day” will win €1,200 and a bottle of champagne.
An award will be made following the 16 World Pool days with an overall winner, determined by a combination of scores derived from a public vote and an industry panel, announced on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse. The overall “World Pool Moment of the Year” winner will receive €40,000 for the staff and yard
“This is a real showcase day for Irish racing, and we are delighted it is a World Pool event,” said Suzanne Eade, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland which owns Tote Ireland.
“We hope racing fans around the world will enjoy the top-class racing action.”
“Since announcing our alliance in April 2020, the collaboration between the UK and Irish Totes has ensured both British and Irish customers benefit from the recent innovations we have introduced to the Tote, including Tote Guarantee and Tote+ which offer unrivalled value for racing fans betting on Day 1 of Longines Irish Champions Weekend,” added Alex Frost, Chief Executive of the UK Tote Group.
“We will also be running a tournament for the day to find the best World Pool player in Ireland. We very much hope all those passionate about the future of Irish racing will get behind the Tote offering, drive a strong pool and help showcase their sport on the global stage.”
