A fresh chapter in Jumps racing history starts today as the David Power Jockeys’ Cup (DPJC) kicks off with a record-breaking £1.5million prize fund, making it the most lucrative jockey’s competition in the world.
The competition – named in honour of Paddy’s dad and our legendary co-founder, David Power – will pit riders into battle on ITV jumps races for a slice of the mega cash pot for the 2024/25 National Hunt campaign. Woof!
And it all starts on Friday, November 15 at Cheltenham for the ITV Racing contests.
Let’s catch you up.
An incredible £500,000 first prize will be awarded to the jockey that comes out on top in the Flutter-sponsored competition by Aintree next April (see prize breakdown below).
From today, the jockeys will be awarded points in a league table format in all ITV Racing jumps racing to the Friday of the Grand National Festival at Aintree (Friday, 4th April).
They will have to finish in the top four to score. A win is worth 10 points, second gets 8 points, third will bag 6 points and fourth will collect 4 points.
At the end of the competition, the top 10 jockeys, trainers and stable staff will earn a slice of the cash pie. There is also a pot for those sitting first and second in the conditional jockey standings. (see table below).
That’s right. It’s not just those in the saddle that will be rewarded. Trainers and stable staff also get in on the action.
- A Tribute to David Power, legendary co-founder of Paddy Power
David Power Jockeys Cup Prize Table
The DPJC puts jockeys front and centre, creating an opportunity for fans old and new to follow every twist, rivalry, and race.
It has been given the seal of approval by the GOAT, our very own jockey-turned-pundit Ruby Walsh.
Speaking on a special edition of our From The Horse’s Mouth podcast, Ruby said: “I spent months trying to figure out how we could backdate this to see if I could get anything out of it!”
“It is astronomical prize money for a National Hunt jockey. If you win the Grand National, your percentage is £50,000 – this is half a million, it’s 10 Grand Nationals!
“It is the biggest prize fund I have ever seen for jockeys in National Hunt racing. It’s off the charts!
“You must be thinking ‘wow!’ if you’re a National Hunt jockey this year!”
Our main man Paddy added: “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,.
“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.”
It’s fair to say the leading jockeys are ready for battle it out.
“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.”
Harry Skelton added: “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. I couldn’t be more excited to get started.”
Grand National history maker Rachael Blackmore commented: “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.”
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