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Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Horseracing-Automatic betting terminals leave Ascot bookies all a flutter
Horse Racing - Royal Ascot 2025 - Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Britain - June 19, 2025 Third placed Catalina Delcarpio ridden by William James Lee in action with second placed Understudy ridden by Robert Havlin during the 15:40 Ribblesdale Stakes Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge REUTERS ASCOT, England - Punters at Royal Ascot this week have, for the first time, been able to place bets using self-service electronic terminals as the course looks to modernise the age-old system of rows of in-person bookmakers displaying their odds to eagle-eyed racegoers. The machines, which resemble the ordering system seen in many fast-food restaurants, take punts of up to 100 pounds ($134.96) and offer a smaller range of bets than traditional bookmakers and larger pool-systems like The Tote. The gambling industry is the most substantial revenue stream for British racecourses and funds prize money, horse welfare and racecourse costs with over 13 billion pounds bet annually on horseracing in Britain. For many racegoers, handing over a crisp tenner to a brusque bookmaker is a core part of the experience, but Ascot says its technology makes betting more accessible to a wider range of people. Early responses suggest the terminals make it easier for people who know their selections and can make decisions in their own time, said Chris Collard, director of Ascot Racecourse Betting & Gaming. On the first two days of the Royal Meeting, some 60 million pounds of bets were placed via the World Pool, an international pool system into which Ascot's new machines feed. For the track's over 200 on-course bookmakers, the self-service machines with their low maximum bet are a curiosity, though they are staying alert should they feel them becoming a threat to their business. Alan Stadler, of A&A Racing, who the Racing Post reports paid 160,000 pounds for his pitch at Ascot in 2018, cautioned that remote gambling via machines could make it harder to assess those who can't afford to make the bet. "In the Royal Enclosure, you can take 5,000 pounds back from people who can readily afford it, but maybe in the Heath Enclosure, you possibly can't," he said. "So there are lots of issues going to come up with remote gambling via machines." For now Ascot has no plans to expand the rollout and says limiting the bet to 100 pounds is for the protection of customers. "Our customer base is largely recreational and our average bet size is much lower, around 10-20 pounds," he said, adding that only a fraction of total bets would come via this service. BIGGER THREATS Barry Pinnington, a bookmaker who has been in the business for 30 years, said any offering that takes business away from the track-side is a concern. But the incursion of pool kiosks, online betting and exchanges is more of a worry than the new terminals themselves. "The bottom line is that they take money away from us the closer they are to the betting rings, where the traditional bookmakers long have stood and taken the money," he told Reuters. While Pinnington traded around 60,000 pounds on Ascot's opening day, Stadler said he took a quarter fewer bets compared to the opening day last year. This still amounted to 55,000 pounds. "Online is having a bigger and bigger effect," Stadler said. "People are betting on their phones more and more. We like to think as bookmakers we're part of the day's attraction." All bets placed through Ascot's new system will feed into a global betting pool known as the World Pool, which mingles money bet at tote operators in 25 different jurisdictions from Hong Kong, through South Africa and the United States. The World Pool turned over some $8.15 billion in 2024. Trackside bookies recognise the World Pool brings important revenue for British racecourses but caution that wider adoption, and betting via mobile phones risks losing the human face. "I've seen racecourses around the world which have gone to a tote mechanism, and they're just like graveyards and there's no appeal," said Stadler. "There has to be a balance and I'm not sure the balance is there at the moment." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
World Pool ambassador Ryan Moore talks through his big rides on day three of Royal Ascot
MOORE MOORE MOORE World Pool ambassador Ryan Moore talks through his big rides on day three of Royal Ascot LOGICALLY speaking, this racing game is a biological sport — it's all down to breeding. And CHARLES DARWIN (2.30) is bred to be one of the elite. He's a son of brilliant sprinter No Nay Never and a brother to Blackbeard, who was fourth in the Coventry as a two-year-old and won the Group 1 Middle Park at three. 1 Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day three at Ascot Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Charles Darwin has three runs under his belt, which is a big help coming to a stage like Royal Ascot. He won his last two starts pretty comfortably and sets the standard for this five-furlong dash. I had the choice of SERIOUS CONTENDER (3.05), Propose and Light As Air in the King Charles Stakes. They are all nice sorts but I decided on Serious Contender who has been put away since winning at Leopardstown on his reappearance this season. He's in good shape. Light Of Air was probably unlucky not to beat Serious Contender the last time at Leopardstown and the step up in trip will suit him. In the Ribblesdale, I'm on GARDEN OF EDEN (3.40) who won a Listed race at Naas and is a tough filly who will be suited by the step up in trip. She found plenty for pressure and showed a good attitude, so I'm looking forward to getting back on her. Stablemate Ecstatic is a likeable filly too. She's got lots of ability and we're yet to see the best of her. Hopefully, ILLINOIS (4.20) can prove to be a good replacement for Kyprios in the Gold Cup. Illinois has never gone this far but I've won it on a couple of four-year-olds who came into the race with the same profile. He won the Queen's Vase here last year, is a winner of the St Leger, won well at Longchamp on his final start last season and then made a winning return at Chester this year. He gives every impression he'll stay and likes quick ground. Candelaria is another four-year-old who is open to improvement, while Trawlerman has been here and got the T-shirt so is a solid challenger. It's not quite as hot as it can get in the SERENGETI (5.00) but he takes his chance in the Ascot Stakes. He made the running in the French Guineas but faded. This is a drop in class but it's hard to know his level. TRINITY COLLEGE (5.35) comes into this meeting off the back of a very good fourth in the French Derby and has every chance of winning this on all known form. Detain finished just ahead of him in that, so is a worthy favourite. Reyenzi is an outsider to look out for. I'm riding ROI DE FRANCE (6.10) for John Gosden in the last. He's got to carry plenty of weight but has run well in some very hot handicaps. He is capable of making the frame. Ryan Moore is a World Pool ambassador FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
World Pool ambassador Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day two of Royal Ascot
MOORE MOORE MOORE World Pool ambassador Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day two of Royal Ascot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE sun is out and Love is in the air on Day Two. My afternoon kicks off with TRUE LOVE (2.30) in the five-furlong Queen Mary. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day two at Ascot Credit: Shutterstock Editorial She has finished second on both starts so far but she is by No Nay Never and is a big, strong filly who will be suited by a strong pace over this trip. SHACKLETON (3.05) needed the run over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh last time and it was a messy race. He will take a step forward for that. You must stay the trip round here and my horse will. Some people out there still doubt LOS ANGELES (4.20) but that doesn't bother me. He's rock solid and I wouldn't swap him for anything. The stiff mile and a quarter at Ascot will suit him well. Anmaat won the Champions Stakes in October and ran well when we fended him off at the Curragh last month. He's an obvious threat. See The Fire has been supplemented at a fair cost and was impressive at York. She is a lovely filly but maybe she is better suited to the Knavesmire rather than here. Map Of Stars was a little unlucky when second in the Prix Ganay and Ombudsman is a talented horse who I've ridden a couple of times. He might not want the ground as quick as it will be today. I'm on THE LIFFEY (5.00) in the Royal Hunt Cup, who has been very well backed. He finished fourth on his first start for Joseph O'Brien in a Listed race at Navan. That form has been franked, as the winner has gone on to win a decent race in France. There's plenty to like about The Liffey, but it's very competitive and lots of yards will think they have a well-handicapped horse. I close with FIRST APPROACH (6.10) as Kansas is a non-runner. He was too keen last time and didn't stay the six furlongs so dropping back in trip is the right move. It looks wide open. Ryan Moore is a World Pool ambassador
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
World Pool ambassador Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day two of Royal Ascot
THE sun is out and Love is in the air on Day Two. My afternoon kicks off with TRUE LOVE (2.30) in the five-furlong Queen Mary. 1 Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day two at Ascot Credit: Shutterstock Editorial She has finished second on both starts so far but she is by No Nay Never and is a big, strong filly who will be suited by a strong pace over this trip. SHACKLETON (3.05) needed the run over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh last time and it was a messy race. He will take a step forward for that. You must stay the trip round here and my horse will. Some people out there still doubt LOS ANGELES (4.20) but that doesn't bother me. He's rock solid and I wouldn't swap him for anything. The stiff mile and a quarter at Ascot will suit him well. Anmaat won the Champions Stakes in October and ran well when we fended him off at the Curragh last month. He's an obvious threat. See The Fire has been supplemented at a fair cost and was impressive at York. She is a lovely filly but maybe she is better suited to the Knavesmire rather than here. Map Of Stars was a little unlucky when second in the Prix Ganay and Ombudsman is a talented horse who I've ridden a couple of times. He might not want the ground as quick as it will be today. I'm on THE LIFFEY (5.00) in the Royal Hunt Cup, who has been very well backed. He finished fourth on his first start for Joseph O'Brien in a Listed race at Navan. That form has been franked, as the winner has gone on to win a decent race in France. There's plenty to like about The Liffey, but it's very competitive and lots of yards will think they have a well-handicapped horse. Most read in Horse Racing I close with FIRST APPROACH (6.10) as Kansas is a non-runner. He was too keen last time and didn't stay the six furlongs so dropping back in trip is the right move. It looks wide open. Ryan Moore is a World Pool ambassador
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ryan Moore rates his chances of riding a winner for the King and Queen at Ascot
The top jockey assesses his mounts on the first day of the royal meeting which include a runner in royal colours trained by Willie Mullins Ryan Moore is odds-on favourite to finish as top jockey at Royal Ascot for the fourth year in a row. The top jockey has the pick of the runners trained by top trainer Aidan O'Brien at the five-day fixture, which starts on Tuesday. He is also the number one pick of owners and trainers if he happens to be available in races O'Brien does not have a contender. As a result he has a mount in all seven races on day one of the fixture, including a horse owned by the King Charles and Queen Camilla trained by Willie Mullins. He has given his view on all the rides in his regular blog for World Pool. 2.30 Queen Anne Stakes 'This is a very strong race. We've got the first four from the Lockinge Stakes – Lead Artist, Dancing Gemini, Rosallion and Notable Speech – and all four of them are probably going to be bang there again. I wouldn't be surprised if any of them won, while Sardinian Warrior is a horse that's done very little wrong and looks progressive. 'Then there's Carl Spackler coming over from America, who brings some high-class form into the race, but this will ask for more. Lake Forest is a good horse too, while you could also make a case for Quddwah and Docklands. 'I ride DIEGO VELAZQUEZ, who is having his first start of the season. He's fit and ready to go but this will be a big test for him on his first run. He won a G3 and a G2 last year when dropping down to a mile, so there's no concerns about the trip. Hopefully he'll run well, but it's a big ask to win this on his reappearance.' 3.05 Coventry Stakes 'I take the ride on GSTAAD, a horse who won at Navan, beating a promising filly in True Love. He's a well-bred horse by Starspangledbanner and is a half-brother to Vandeek who was a very good horse, especially as a two-year-old. 'He goes to Ascot having only had one start, so he might be lacking a bit of experience. That said, he has already shown a high level of form. Postmodern and Military Code look the obvious dangers.' 3.40 King Charles III Stakes 'I ride BELIEVING for George Boughey here. She was a very good winner last time out at Meydan and I think the flat six furlongs there suited her well. She had a nice draw which allowed her to follow Regional into the race and get a winning run; William Buick gave her a lovely ride. 'She was unfortunate with the draw on a couple of occasions last year, both in the Nunthorpe and the Flying Five where she finished second, and then ran well in the Prix de l'Abbaye without winning. She's a very consistent filly and George has done really well with her. If she runs her race, as she usually does, then she should be bang there. 'Last year's winner Asfoora is back to take her on and must hold every chance. Night Raider is interesting stepping down to five furlongs too, while Mgheera is doing well since switching to Ed Walker. I've got a lot of respect for those horses and I think it will be a competitive race. You need to be drawn well and things need to go your way in-running.' 4.20 St James's Palace Stakes 'The St James's Palace Stakes looks a very exciting renewal this year. HENRI MATISSE has won his last three, he's won a Breeders' Cup and I think the round mile on quick ground will suit him. I think he'll run very well. 'Field Of Gold is the obvious danger and the likely favourite having looked very impressive in the Irish Guineas. Everyone saw what he did at the Curragh and that would probably be about the best piece of form heading into this race. 'Ruling Court beat Field Of Gold the time before that in the Guineas at Newmarket and was then a late non-runner in the Derby. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to that change of plan.' 5.00 Ascot Stakes 'I'm on REACHING HIGH here for Willie Mullins and The King & Queen. He's a horse I know pretty well from his days with Sir Michael Stoute, though I never rode him in a race. I also know the dam, Estimate, well, as I won on her twice at Royal Ascot, including the Gold Cup. Hopefully the step up in trip will bring about a bit more improvement from him. 'He had a good run on his first start for Willie, where he was second over a mile-and-a-half at Leopardstown. Hopefully he'll come on from that and be right there with a chance. East India Dock, Poniros, Caballo De Mar and Manxman look the likely dangers and it's going to be very competitive.' 5.35 Wolferton Stakes"SONS AND LOVERS is a nice ride to pick up for Joseph O'Brien. He's had two good runs for Joseph, including fourth behind Los Angeles at the Curragh last time, and he could run a big race here. Enfjaar ran well on his reappearance at Sandown and would have to be respected, while Ecureuil Secret was impressive at Epsom and is clearly an improving horse. 6.10 Copper Horse Stakes 'I don't know too much about CHARLUS, but on the face of it he looks unexposed and has been kept fresh for this. French Master looks an obvious danger. He did very well to get up and win the last day at Goodwood having run into traffic problems throughout.'
