New Jockey Competition with £1.5 Million Prize Fund Commences

A new competition for jump jockeys, featuring a £500,000 prize for the winner, commenced on Friday. This follows Harry Cobden’s victory aboard Monmiral in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. Named The David Power Jockeys’ Cup, the event boasts a total prize fund of £1.5 million and is scheduled to take place from the November Cheltenham meeting through to April’s Grand National meeting. Participants will accumulate points in races broadcast on ITV Racing, with 10 points granted for a first-place finish, eight for second, six for third, and four for fourth. The jockey accumulating the highest number of points will be declared the champion and receive the primary cash award. The second-place finisher will be awarded £200,000, while £100,000 is designated for third place, with further prizes distributed to competitors up to 10th position. Among the confirmed participants are Harry Cobden, the reigning champion jump jockey, alongside Harry Skelton, Nico de Boinville, and Rachael Blackmore. Cobden commented, “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.” Skelton further stated that the cup represents the “pinnacle in the sport” for National Hunt jockeys, highlighting the “transformative amount of money” available. Blackmore, who is presently injured, remarked that the competition “adds a massive layer of excitement” to what “already promises to be another highly competitive season.” Blackmore, who secured victories in the Grand National in 2021 and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2022, also expressed, “It’s great to see this level of innovation and investment in racing, particularly towards jockeys.” She added, “The prizes on offer are incredible. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the very best of the sport.” The event bears the name of a co-founder of the bookmaking firm Paddy Power. Its parent company, Flutter, is providing support for the competition, in conjunction with the Jockey Club, Great British Racing, and the Professional Jockeys’ Association. Additionally, trainers, racing staff, and the two top conditional jockeys will be eligible for prizes.