Sun Chariot Day to host four World Pool races for the first time

The Jockey Club (TJC) has today confirmed that Sun Chariot Day at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile on Saturday 7th October will be worth a record £600,000 in 2023, following news that the fixture will host four World Pool races for the first time.

The Group 1 Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes will be worth £275,000, with the Tattersalls October Auction Stakes continuing to be worth £150,000 and both the British EBF Premier Fillies' Handicap (10f) and British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies' Handicap (12f) now worth an enhanced £70,000 each. All four races have been added to the globe’s largest commingled horse racing pools, created and powered by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC).

The four races from Newmarket’s historic Rowley Mile will join Group 1 action from Turnbull Stakes Day at Flemington, which has been marked as the next appearance for Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior en route to The Cox Plate three weeks later, in a hybrid World Pool offering.

Pool betting operators from 28 countries now bet into World Pool, enabling racing fans from all over the globe to bet into one single pool, enhancing liquidity and thus delivering the best possible value for bettors. World Pool is accessed both at the racecourse and online via the Tote in Great Britain and Ireland.

Michael Fitzsimons, Executive Director, Wagering Products, at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “There are many strategic objectives aligned to World Pool and one of them is promoting Group 1 races so adding the Turnbull Stakes and Sun Chariot Stakes to the roster on the same day makes for a fantastic dual-hemisphere treat for fans.

“The Sun Chariot Stakes itself is a race with a rich history and we look forward to another exciting contest in 2023.

“I would also like to thank The Jockey Club and RMG for their continued support in making World Pool the important global brand it has become today.”

Anna Chanduvi, Chief Commercial and International Officer at The Jockey Club, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to deliver four additional World Pool races on October 7th, and to confirm that the Sun Chariot Day will have a record prize fund.

“World Pool enables strong reinvestment back into British racing and securing these additional races is an important step as we continue to strengthen links with Hong Kong, engage more fans with British racing and strive to grow our sport.”

Nick Mills, Chief Commercial Officer of Racecourse Media Group, which represents the media interests of The Jockey Club, said: “Working with The Jockey Club, RMG is delighted to have helped facilitate the staging of these additional races as World Pool features.

“We have enjoyed a long and valued relationship with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and we are very grateful to them for all their support.”