Grand National jockey banks £500k cash prize 24 hours before Aintree big race

Harry Skelton Secures Lucrative David Power Jockeys’ Cup Victory

Leading jump jockey Harry Skelton has clinched a substantial £500,000 reward after triumphing in the inaugural David Power Jockeys’ Cup. The accomplished 35-year-old rider is scheduled to participate aboard Threeunderthrufive, an outsider, in Saturday’s prestigious Grand National at Aintree Racecourse.

Innovative Jockey Competition

The David Power Jockeys’ Cup was introduced last November to inject innovation into horse racing and broaden the sport’s appeal. Jockeys have competed for a share of the impressive £1.35 million total prize fund based on their performances in over 100 races broadcast live on ITV.

Points System and Race Results

Under the competition’s points system, jockeys earned 10 points for each victory in an ITV-televised race. The subsequent three finishers received eight, six, and four points, respectively.

Skelton secured the coveted £500,000 top prize after finishing fourth on Boombawn in the 1:45 pm race at Aintree on Friday. This result established an insurmountable lead over his competitors in the overall standings.

Fellow jockey Harry Cobden claimed second place, earning £200,000, while Nico De Boinville finished in third position in the competition.

Trophy Presentation and Jockey’s Reaction

Skelton is expected to receive a notable one-meter-tall trophy during a presentation ceremony at Aintree prior to the Grand National.

“It is a very proud moment for me and very special to be recognised as the first winner of the David Power Jockeys’ Cup,” Skelton stated after confirming his victory.

“This competition has elevated the performance of everyone in the weighing room this season. Emerging as champion from such a talented group of jockeys is hugely rewarding after a demanding season of high-quality jump racing.”

“I am truly pleased to share this honour with my brother and the dedicated stable staff who made this achievement possible.”

Grand National Preview

Saturday’s Grand National will feature a field of up to 34 horses competing over the challenging four-and-a-quarter-mile course at Aintree. The race includes 30 fences, notably including ‘The Chair’, which stands at a height of 5 feet 2 inches.

I Am Maximus is currently the favourite, followed by Iroko and Perceval Legallois. Hewick, Stumpdown, and Intense Raffles are also considered strong contenders for the race, which is scheduled to commence at 4 pm.

David Power Jockeys’ Cup: Final Standings

• 1. Harry Skelton | 420 points
• 2. Harry Cobden | 330 points
• 3. Nico de Boinville | 316 points
• 4. Sam Twiston-Davies | 266 points
• 5. Sean Bowen | 234 points
• 6. Gavin Sheehan | 198 points
• 7. Jonjo O’Neill Jr | 154 points
• 8. Ben Jones | 152 points
• 9. Charlie Deutsch | 152 points
• 10. Brendan Powell | 140 points