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

jockey Harry Skelton has landed himself a staggering £500,000 after winning the inaugural David Power Jockeys' Cup. The 35-year-old is due to ride outsider Threeunderthrufive in at Aintree.

The David Power Jockeys' Cup was launched last November with the aim of injecting a fresh angle into horse racing to broaden the reach of the sport. Jockeys have had the opportunity to compete for a share of the £1.35million prize pot courtesy of their performances in over 100 races broadcast live by ITV.

Jockeys have been awarded 10 points every time they have won an ITV race, with the next three finishers receiving eight points, six points and four points respectively.

Skelton scooped the £500k prize pot reserved for the winner after finishing fourth on Boombawn in the 1.45pm at Aintree on Friday.

That result gave him an unassailable lead over his rivals in the overall standings, with Harry Cobden securing second place to land £200,000. Nico De Boinville, meanwhile, secured third position.

Skelton is set to be presented with a one-metre-tall trophy during a presentation ceremony at Aintree ahead of the Grand National.

"It's a very proud moment for me and really cool to be a part of history as the first winner of the David Power Jockeys' Cup," Skelton said after securing top spot.

"The competition has brought out the best in everyone in the weighing room this season. To come out of that elite group of jockeys as the champion is hugely rewarding after a long season of high-quality jump racing.

"Really glad I can share this honour alongside my brother and the stable staff who made it all possible."

Saturday's Grand National will see a maximum of 34 horses compete over the four-and-a-quarter mile course at Aintree. They will navigate 30 fences, including The Chair, which stands at 5ft 2in tall.

I Am Maximus is the early favourite ahead of Iroko and Perceval Legallois. Hewick, Stumpdown and Intense Raffles have also been tipped to do well, with the race getting underway at 4pm.

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