Racing launches record-breaking £1.5million cup competition for jump jockeys on ITV

HARRY COBDEN is the 6-4 favourite to land the £500,000 first prize for the David Power Jockeys’ Cup as the ’s most richly endowed riders’ competition launches at the November meeting at Cheltenham on Friday.

With a £1.5million total prize fund that also rewards trainers and stable staff, the league format sees jockeys amass points by finishing in the first four in ITV-covered races.

The rider who tops the standings at the conclusion of the final race at Aintree on April 4 - the eve of the Randox Grand National - takes home £500,000, with the runner-up winning £200,000 and the third-placed jockey £100,000. The prize money extends down to the 10th jockey in the table, who collects £10,000.

The David Power Jockeys’ Cup, named in honour of Paddy Power’s co-founder who passed away at the age of 77 in July, also offers £25,000 to the leading conditional jockey.

Cobden, who beat Sean Bowen to clinch his first jockeys’ title last season, said: “This season is set to be very exciting, and I can’t wait to be part of this new cup series.

“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.”

Behind Cobden in Paddy Power’s betting is 9-4 second choice Harry Skelton, with Nico de Boinville at 5-1 and Sean Bowen next best at 11-2.

“The David Power Jockeys' Cup is a new pinnacle in the sport," said 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 I couldn’t be more excited to get started.”

Research conducted on behalf of Paddy Power’s parent company Flutter Group indicates that 44 per cent of Britons would be more inclined to watch racing if it were easier to follow or if there were larger prize pots and higher stakes for jockeys.

“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 Flutter CEO Ian Brown.

“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.”