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 primed to compete for the most lucrative individual prize pot in racing history – worth £1.5million – when the David Power Jockeys Cup begins at Cheltenham.

In an attempt to revolutionise the sport and introduce it to a new audience, the David Power Jockeys Cup (DPJC) is a simple to follow competition that will run through the National Hunt campaign and revolve around races televised on ITV.

This is not an attempt to replace the historic Jockeys Championship, which was won by Harry Cobden and is decided by who rides the most winners. That will continue to run concurrently, 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 is named in honour of legendary bookmaker David Power, will provide a fresh twist to the competition and create a different narrative. Jockeys will accrue points for finishing in the first four in all races that are broadcast terrestrially.

The competition begins on Friday afternoon, on the opening day of Cheltenham’s Paddy Power Gold Cup meeting, and runs through to Friday, April 4 – the second day of the Randox Grand National fixture. The winner will receive £500,000, £200,000 goes to the runner-up and there are prizes down to 10th.

‘This season is set to be very exciting and I can’t wait to be part of it,’ said Cobden, who will partner favourite Ginny’s Destiny in Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup. ‘It’s a huge amount on offer and I’m sure will create great competition, as we’ll all be trying to win as many of those ITV races as we can.’

The competition will begin at Cheltenham racecourse (pictured) on Friday afternoon

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

The format of this competitions means Irish jockeys will have an opportunity to compete for the title. Paul Townend, for instance, will be in a pole position through his job with Willie Mullins while Rachael Blackmore, who is currently sidelined with a neck injury, will also be in the frame when she returns to action.

‘It’s great to see this level of innovation and investment in racing, particularly towards jockeys,’ she said. ‘The prizes on offer are incredible. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the very best of the sport.’