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World Pool Records for Epsom Derby and Queensland Derby

Derby Days at Epsom in the UK and Eagle Farm in Australia have set a new record for World Pool turnover. Across 12 races on these two racedays, the turnover reached HK$385.2 million (approx. £38.7m/AU$74.2m).

The previous record for a 12-race composite card was set in March this year. That record was achieved when World Pool offered eight races on Dubai World Cup Day, along with two races each from Tancred Stakes Day and Australian Cup Day, generating HK$378.1 million (approx. £38m/AU$72.6m) in turnover.

The Epsom Derby itself saw significant growth from its 2023 turnover, rising to HK$51.8 million (approx. £5.2m) from HK$41.6 million (approx. £4.2m), an increase of 24%.

With an extra race this year, the turnover at Epsom on Derby Day increased to HK$264.5 million (approx. £26.6m) from last year’s HK$249.1 million (approx. £25m).

Michael Fitzsimons, Executive Director of Wagering Products at the HKJC, expressed delight at the success of World Pool’s composite racedays. He noted the excitement of combining major international races and looked forward to offering more composite racedays in the future.

City Of Troy bounced back from a disappointing run in the 2000 Guineas to win the Epsom Derby, earning the World Pool Moment of the Day award. Groom David Hickey won a £4,000 prize.

In the World Pool’s UK & Ireland Jockeys’ Championship, Silvestre de Sousa maintained his lead with 44.10 points, followed by Callum Sheppard with 42.55 points. Oisin Murphy moved closer to the top two with an 8.00 winner, bringing his total to 34.65 points. The winner, announced after Champions Day at Ascot, will receive £50,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.

World Pool offered exceptional value to punters at Epsom, beating fixed odds starting prices in four of the eight races and matching SP in the remaining four.

**Tote Value on Derby Day at Epsom 2024:**
- Tote Win beat the industry Starting Price (SP) in 4 of 8 races, matching SP in the remaining 4.
- Tote Win overround was 111% versus SP overround of 117%.
- Tote Exacta beat the forecast in 7 out of 8 races.
- Tote Trifecta beat Tricast in 8 out of 8 races.

Alex Frost, Chief Executive at the UK Tote, praised City Of Troy’s performance and highlighted the value and liquidity World Pool provided.

Tom Sammes, General Manager at Epsom Downs Racecourse, was thrilled with the turnover performance on Betfred Derby Day and emphasized World Pool’s value to British racing.

The Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm saw HK$120.7 million (approx. AU$23.2m/£12.1m) bet across four races, marking the debut of globally commingled pools at Eagle Farm. Highlights included I Wish I Win securing the Kingsford Smith Cup and Warmonger achieving the largest winning margin in an Australian Group 1 since 1998.

Eagle Farm will feature in the World Pool again on June 15 with the G1 Stradbroke Handicap and the G2 Q22 available globally. 

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