A NEW £1.5 million National Hunt jockeys’ competition has been launched in Britain, with riders set to earn points in a league-style format from more than 100 British Jumps races broadcast on ITV this season.

Named in honour of legendary bookmaker David Power, who died in July, the David Power Jockeys’ Cup has been backed by the Flutter Group - parent to Paddy Power, Sky Betting & Gaming and Betfair - while joining forces with the Professional Jockeys Association, ITV Racing, British Horseracing Authority, Great British Racing, the Jockey Club and Racecourse Media Group.

By finishing in the first four in these ITV races from Cheltenham’s November meeting until the eve of the Randox Grand National at Aintree, riders can earn points towards a top prize of £500,000 for the leading jockey, with £200,000 for second place, £100,000 for third. Rewards reach down through the top 10.

Trainers, racing staff and the two leading conditional jockeys also have dedicated prizes.

Organisers say the “simple” concept has been developed to put “jockeys front and centre” and to create a narrative that can be followed by the public through the season.

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

“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.”

Paddy Power, brand ambassador at Flutter Group, added: “This 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.”

Leading riders Harry Cobden, Rachael Blackmore and Harry Skelton were eager to praise the initiative, with Skelton describing the Cup as “a new pinnacle in the sport”.

Paddy Power make Cobden the 6/4 favourite to win the inaugural competition, followed by Skelton at 9/4, Nico de Boinville at 5/1 and Sean Bowen at 11/2. Paul Townend is next in the market at 16/1.