Jockeys set to compete for record £1.5m prize pot in the David Power Jockeys Cup – with the competition to get underway at Cheltenham on Friday

Jockeys are set to compete for the most lucrative individual prize pool in racing history – worth £1.5 million – when the David Power Jockeys Cup kicks off at Cheltenham.

In an effort to revolutionize the sport and introduce it to a new audience, the David Power Jockeys Cup (DPJC) is an easy-to-follow competition run through the National Hunt campaign and revolves around races broadcast on ITV.

This is not an attempt to replace the historic Jockeys Championship, which was won by Harry Cobden and is determined by who rides the most winners. This will continue to happen simultaneously, with Sean Bowen on 80, leading the way from Harry Skelton, who is second with 78 successes.

But the DPJC, which is backed by the Flutter Group and named in honor of legendary bookmaker David Power, will put a fresh spin on the competition and create a different narrative. Jockeys collect points if they finish in the top four in all races broadcast terrestrially.

The competition starts on Friday afternoon, on the opening day of the Paddy Power Gold Cup meeting at Cheltenham, and runs until Friday, April 4 – the second day of the Randox Grand National competition. The winner will receive £500,000, £200,000 will go to the number two and there will be prizes up to and including tenth place.

“This season promises to be very exciting and I can’t wait to be part of it,” said Cobden, who will partner favorite Ginny’s Destiny in the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday. ‘The offer is huge and I’m sure it will provide great competition as we will all try to win as many of those ITV races as possible.’

Niall Sloane, ITV’s Director of Sport, said: ‘Anything that adds to the excitement of the Jumps season is always welcomed by ITV Racing. We’re happy to be involved and supporting this and look forward to great competitive racing on our screens every weekend.”

The format of these competitions means that Irish jockeys get the opportunity to challenge for the title. For example, Paul Townend will be in pole position through his job with Willie Mullins, while Rachael Blackmore, who is currently sidelined with a neck injury, will also be in the picture when she returns to action.

“It’s great to see this level of innovation and investment in racing, especially towards jockeys,” she said. ‘The prices offered are incredible. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the very best of the sport.”