David Power Jockeys' Cup: winner to get £500,000 in new competition

A major new Jump Jockeys’ competition that will include a first prize of £500,000 is to be launched at Cheltenham on Friday.

The David Power Jockeys’ Cup (DPJC) is an initiative funded by Flutter aimed at bolstering audience engagement and attracting new fans. 

It will revolve around more than 100 races broadcast by ITV – most of them also shown on Racing TV - and there will be a £1.5 million prize fund on offer, changing the financial landscape of Jump racing overnight.

Jockeys who win or are placed in any race shown on ITV will accumulate points in a competition that will run from The November Meeting at Cheltenham to the eve of the Grand National on April 4.

In addition to the £500,000 top prize, there will be £200,000 for second place up for grabs, plus £100,000 for third.

The top ten jockeys will all be rewarded, plus the top two conditional riders will also be recognised. The leading conditional jockey will be awarded £25,000.

In addition, trainers and racing staff will also be in the mix for windfalls. See the full table below. 

Former champion jockey Harry 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, and knowing the fans are behind us makes it even more special.

"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.” 

Backed by the Flutter Group - parent to Paddy Power, Sky Betting & Gaming, and Betfair - the massive prize fund will set a new benchmark in Jumps racing. 

It was only eight years ago that that the winner of the Jump Jockeys' Championship, which runs all year, included prize money for the first time. The champion received £15,000 and smaller prizes were awarded down to fifth place.

Flutter has joined forces with top racing bodies, including the Professional Jockeys Association, ITV Racing, the British Horseracing Authority, Great British Racing, the Jockey Club, and Racecourse Media Group to create the competition. 

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. 

According to Flutter Group research, nearly 45% of the British public say they would follow racing more closely if races were easier to watch, with 38% wanting more behind-the-scenes access to jockeys’ stories.

It is hoped the format will bring both, capturing fresh fan interest and creating an easy-to-follow five-month journey to follow.