Major new jump jockeys’ competition launches at Cheltenham

A new jockeys’ competition has been launched, with the David Power Jockeys’ Cup carrying £1.5million in prize-money across the season.

The competition, which begins at Cheltenham on Friday and runs until Aintree’s Grand National meeting in April, will see jockeys earn points in any race televised on ITV Racing. The scoring system sees 10 points awarded for a win, eight for second, six for third and four for fourth.

Whoever finishes top of the pile will win £500,000, with £200,000 for second and £100,000 for third, with awards all the way down to 10th place. Trainers, racing staff and the two leading conditional jockeys will also have the chance to win prizes.

The new initiative is backed by the Flutter Group – parent company of Paddy Power, Sky Betting & Gaming, and Betfair – with the intention of a “fan-first approach” designed to make jumps racing “more accessible and inspiring for all”.

To create the competition Flutter joined forces with the Professional Jockeys Association, ITV Racing, the British Horseracing Authority, Great British Racing, the Jockey Club, and Racecourse Media Group, to create a competition in memory of the late bookmaker David Power, co-founder of Paddy Power.

Current champion Harry Cobden, former champion Harry Skelton, Nicky Henderson’s main rider Nico de Boinville and Rachael Blackmore are all expected to feature prominently.

“It’s a huge amount on offer and I’m sure will create some great competition as we’ll all be trying to win as many of those ITV races as we can,” said Cobden

Skelton said: “The David Power Jockeys’ Cup is a new pinnacle in the sport. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline of competing with the best. This is our chance to put it all on the line, win a transformative amount of money, and honour the legacy of a true racing legend.”

Blackmore, currently sidelined with injury, added: “The David Power Jockeys’ Cup adds a massive layer of excitement to what already promises to be another highly-competitive season. It’s great to see this level of innovation and investment in racing, particularly towards jockeys. The prizes on offer are incredible. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the very best of the sport.”

Paddy Power said it was “incredibly moving” to have his father honoured with such a competition.

“The David Power Jockeys’ Cup is more than just a race; it’s a tribute to my dad and everything he brought to this sport,” he said.

“It’s incredibly moving to see his name remembered this way, and I know he’d be chuffed to bits watching the jockeys battle it out for glory. This season, fans are in for a real treat – heart-stopping races, fierce rivalries and a chance to cheer on the legends of tomorrow. Dad always believed in innovation and making the sport accessible for everyone.”