€27million gambled on Irish Champions day via World Pool

Irish Champion Stakes Day at Leopardstown on Saturday proved once again to be an extremely popular day with punters.

A staggering €27.7m was bet by racing fans into World Pool via the seven World Pool bet types in operation on the day.

Auguste Rodin give Aidan O’Brien his 12 Irish Champion Stakes and fifth in a row in the main race on Saturday. The ballydoyle trainer and his stable jockey, Ryan Moore, were four-time winners on the day.

Turnover was almost on par with 2022’s figure of €27.9m and significantly up on 2021’s figure of €22.9m. This was the third year World Pool was in operation on Irish Champion Stakes Day.

Customers using Tote in Ireland and the UK were even better placed for added value with Tote Win beating the industry Starting Price in three out of the eight races and matching in the other five with Tote Guarantee in place. Tote Exacta beat Forecast in all eight races with the average payout 44% higher with the Tote.

Executive Director, Wagering Products, at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Michael Fitzsimons, said: "We were treated to some excellent racing at Leopardstown on Saturday and it was really pleasing to see such strong turnover on the day. Aidan O’Brien continued his love affair with the Irish Champion Stakes, while Tahiyra was hugely impressive once again in the Matron Stakes.

“The whole racing industry in Ireland has really embraced the World Pool concept. There was lots of fantastic branding all over the course; strong, competitive fields and we are delighted with how these World Pool meetings are progressing.

“Thanks to everyone at Leopardstown, Horse Racing Ireland and Tote Ireland, as well as all the connections of the runners. We’re already looking forward to our Irish World Pool fixtures next year.”

Dermot Weld’s Tahiyra landed her third successive Group 1 in the Matron Stakes and her triumph was chosen as World Pool Moment of the Day, giving her long-term groom Davy Glennon the €4,000 prize.

“She’s just a wonderful, lovely filly to have anything to do with. I’m delighted to have won today and every day she does win,” Glennon said.

Speaking about the part Glennon plays in the team at Rosewell House, Weld said: “Davy is an essential part of our team and he’s a tremendous person to have to look after a horse. He’s very selective and only likes to look after the best, so you have to be selective what you give him!

“He’s gifted and I’m very proud to have him in my employment. Nobody deserves this award, I think, more so than him. I appreciate World Pool giving him this because of the effort and the work that he puts in.”

Should Tahiyra’s Matron Stakes performance be chosen as World Pool Moment of the Year, Glennon could win a trip to Hong Kong next year