ROA response to the David Power Jockeys Cup
Whilst we fully support and understand the need for the industry to be innovative in order that it improves engagement and raises its profile, the ROA is disappointed that the new David Power Jockeys’ Cup (details below) has not taken into consideration any recognition or reward for racehorse owners who, as the largest investors into the industry, including payments to trainers and jockeys such as riding fees, Professional Riders Insurance Scheme, Career Ending Insurance payments and of course our training fees, are yet again overlooked during any discussions or communications.
Without owners these innovative initiatives would not take place and for the ROA to receive only 48 hours’ notice of the Jockeys’ Cup via a press release, which initially did not even mention owners or any acknowledgment of their fundamental role in the industry, is utterly unacceptable. This again demonstrates the complete lack of appreciation from many in the industry for the owner and a real lack of understanding as to whom the horse belongs.
The ROA will continue to work with our critical stakeholders to establish the clear message that owners must be centrally considered across British Racing.
As always please do contact the ROA with any thoughts or feedback at [email protected].
THE BIGGEST PRIZE IN JUMPS RACING HISTORY: THE DAVID POWER JOCKEYS' CUP LAUNCHES WITH £1.5 MILLION PRIZE FUND
- Top stars to compete for £500,000 first prize in a new league format
- Jockeys including the likes of Harry Skelton, Harry Cobden, Rachael Blackmore and Nico de Boinville will score points in all British jump races shown on ITV, starting at Cheltenham on Friday 15th November until the last ITV race from Aintree on Friday 4th April 2025
- Research from Flutter Group, the company behind the initiative, shows that nearly half (44%) of Brits would be more inclined to watch horse racing if it were easier to follow, or if there were larger prize pots and higher stakes for jockeys
15 November 2024, Cheltenham, UK – A fresh chapter in Jumps racing starts today as the David Power Jockeys' Cup (DPJC) kicks off with a record-breaking £1.5 million prize fund, making it the most lucrative jockey competition in the world.
With a simple, league-style format - jockeys collect points by finishing in the first four in ITV-televised races - the DPJC puts jockeys front and centre, creating an opportunity for fans old and new to follow every twist, rivalry, and race.
The David Power Jockeys’ Cup is offering an impressive £500,000 top prize for the leading jockey, with £200,000 for second place, £100,000 for third, and rewards reaching down through the top ten. Trainers, racing staff, and the two leading conditional jockeys also have dedicated prizes in the mix, bringing everyone to the heart of the action. Backed by the Flutter Group - parent to Paddy Power, Sky Betting & Gaming, and Betfair - the fund sets a new benchmark in Jumps racing.
Flutter has joined forces with key racing bodies, including the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), ITV Racing, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Great British Racing (GBR), the Jockey Club, and Racecourse Media Group (RMG), to create this season-long showdown. Launched in memory of legendary bookmaker David Power, co-founder of Paddy Power, the DPJC honours his lifelong love for Jumps racing and his commitment to making the sport accessible, putting jockeys at the forefront and fans closer to the excitement.
A Season of Rivalries and Rising Stars
Fans will see Jumps racing’s most prominent names - including the likes of Harry Cobden, Nico de Boinville, Harry Skelton, and Rachael Blackmore - compete from Cheltenham’s November Meeting through to the eve of the Randox Grand National at Aintree on 4 April 2025. Points are up for grabs across more than 100 British Jumps races that are broadcast on ITV throughout the season, with points awarded for finishing 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
According to Flutter Group research, nearly 45% of Brits say they’d follow racing more closely if races were easier to watch, with 38% wanting more behind-the-scenes access to jockeys’ stories. This format brings jockeys to the forefront with unrivalled media access making up a key component of the initiative designed to capture fresh fan interest.
A Fan-First Competition
The David Power Jockeys’ Cup is built to be simple yet thrilling, making it easy for fans to jump in and follow the action. It’s not just about the points; it’s a platform to showcase jockeys, their rivalries, and the stories that make the sport so gripping. Flutter Group’s research shows that 44% of people are drawn to the sport by bigger prizes, while nearly 30% want more insight into jockeys’ personalities. This fan-first approach is designed to make Jumps racing more accessible and inspiring for all, from long-time followers to newcomers alike.
Quotes from Key Figures in Racing
“This season is set to be very exciting, and I can’t wait to be part of the inaugural David Power Jockeys' Cup,” said Champion Jump Jockey, Harry Cobden, “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.”
"The David Power Jockeys' Cup is a new pinnacle in the sport," added fellow top Jump Jockey, Harry Skelton. "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. I couldn’t be more excited to get started.”
“The David Power Jockeys’ Cup adds a massive layer of excitement to what already promises to be another highly competitive season,” commented Grand National history maker, Rachael Blackmore. "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.”
Quotes from Key David Power Jockeys’ Cup Figures
"The David Power Jockeys' Cup is a game-changer for Jumps racing, bringing fans closer to the action and celebrating the incredible skill of our jockeys," said Ian Brown, CEO of Flutter Group. "With the largest prize pot for any jockeys' competition in the world, we’re proud to honour David Power’s legacy and bring a fresh level of excitement and accessibility to the sport. This Cup is all about inspiring a new generation of racing fans and creating unforgettable moments for everyone involved.”
"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,” said Paddy Power, Brand Ambassador at Flutter Group. “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.”
Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport stated: “Anything that adds to the excitement of the Jumps season is always welcomed by ITV Racing. We’re pleased to be able to get involved and support this and look forward to some great competitive racing on our screens every weekend.”
There are also prizes for the trainer and racing staff of the stable, which provides most winners of ITV jumps races to the relevant jockey, starting off at £50,000 for the top jockey’s associated stable.
Paul Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at the National Trainers Federation, commented: “This is just the type of initiative we need if we are to increase public interest in our sport and those who participate in it. Although the main focus will be on the jockeys, the offering of prizes for trainers and their staff will also create plenty of competition amongst yards throughout and will make for some great stories.”
“Racing staff play such a pivotal role in the sport and it’s brilliant to see them rewarded in this way. Racing needs more of these initiatives recognising the participants' talents and hard work and we are very grateful to Flutter” added George McGrath, Chief Executive Officer at the National Association of Racing.
Unprecedented Rewards and National Coverage With £1.5 million on the line, the DPJC’s prize structure rewards the top ten jockeys and their support teams, recognising the skill and resilience required to reach the pinnacle of Jumps racing. Importantly, the DPJC aims to make the sport more accessible, with 21% of fans saying they’d be more interested if jockeys’ personalities and stories were highlighted, and 18% wanting greater media coverage of rivalries and top contenders.
The David Power Jockeys' Cup recognises the invaluable contributions of racehorse owners, whose support fuels the sport’s legacy and growth. This season-long competition aims to build excitement and attract a new generation of fans, benefiting the entire racing community and will be broadcast on ITV, allowing fans nationwide to track their favourite jockeys and experience each twist and turn of the season.
For more information and to get the latest on the David Power Jockeys' Cup season, visit ITV.com/JockeysCup or follow #JockeysCup online.
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Overview of the David Power Jockeys' Cup (DPJC): The DPJC runs across British jump’s racing’s core season, featuring a record-breaking £1.5 million prize fund. Running from Cheltenham’s November Meeting on 15 November 2024 to Aintree’s Grand National Festival on 4 April 2025, the DPJC will showcase top jockeys and thrilling rivalries on ITV.
League Format: The DPJC’s points-based league allows fans to track jockey standings throughout the season. Points are awarded in ITV races based on finishing position: 1st place earns 10 points, 2nd place 8 points, 3rd place 6 points, and 4th place 4 points.
Prize Structure: The DPJC offers rewards through the top ten jockeys, with additional prizes for trainers, racing staff, and conditional jockeys. Highlights include:
- First Place: £500,000 for the winning jockey, with £50,000 each for the trainer and racing staff (of the yard that provides most winners of British ITV jumps races to the relevant jockey during the competition period)
- Second Place: £200,000 for the jockey, plus £20,000 for both the trainer and racing staff (of the yard that provides most winners of British ITV jumps races to the relevant jockey during the competition period).
- Leading Conditional Jockey Prize: £25,000, with further rewards extending to supporting teams (as above).
- The prize breakdown is as follows, with additional funds allocated to support jockeys promoting and raising awareness of the initiative throughout the season.
|
Position |
Jockey |
Trainer |
Racing Staff |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st Place |
£500,000 |
£50,000 |
£50,000 |
£600,000 |
|
2nd Place |
£200,000 |
£20,000 |
£20,000 |
£240,000 |
|
3rd Place |
£100,000 |
£10,000 |
£10,000 |
£120,000 |
|
4th Place |
£80,000 |
£8,000 |
£8,000 |
£96,000 |
|
5th Place |
£60,000 |
£6,000 |
£6,000 |
£72,000 |
|
6th Place |
£50,000 |
£5,000 |
£5,000 |
£60,000 |
|
7th Place |
£40,000 |
£4,000 |
£4,000 |
£48,000 |
|
8th Place |
£30,000 |
£3,000 |
£3,000 |
£36,000 |
|
9th Place |
£20,000 |
£2,000 |
£2,000 |
£24,000 |
|
10th Place |
£10,000 |
£1,000 |
£1,000 |
£12,000 |
|
Leading Conditional Jockey |
£25,000 |
£2,000 |
£2,000 |
£29,000 |
|
2nd conditional |
£5,000 |
£500 |
£500 |
£6,000 |
Jockey Line-Up: The David Power Jockeys’ Cup is open to all jump jockeys riding in ITV races, including renowned names such as Harry Cobden, Harry Skelton, and Nico de Boinville. This group of elite athletes will compete across the season’s most prestigious events, bringing thrilling rivalries and intense competition to every race.
Broadcast and Media Coverage: The David Power Jockeys’ Cup covers all UK jump races televised on ITV, allowing fans across the UK to follow the league.
Fan Engagement and Accessibility: The David Power Jockeys’ Cup is designed with fans in mind, offering a straightforward format, top-tier jockeys, and unprecedented prize money to bring excitement to new and existing audiences. The competition’s focus on accessibility aims to grow the Jumps racing fanbase, making the sport more inclusive and widely appreciated.
Honouring David Power: The David Power Jockeys’ Cup is named in tribute to David Power, a pioneer in the betting industry known for his passion for racing. The competition embodies his fan-first ethos, making Jumps racing accessible and engaging for both seasoned fans and newcomers.
Website and Additional Information: For more information and to get the latest on the David Power Jockeys' Cup season, visit ITV.com/JockeysCup or follow #JockeysCup online.