The world of jumps jockeys will be seen like never before in a brand new, prime-time series for ITV1 and ITVX to be shown this summer.
On the eve of this weekend’s Grand National Festival 2024 at Aintree Racecourse on Merseyside, ITV has released a preview clip of Champions: Full Gallop [W/T], which goes behind the scenes with jockeys, trainers, owners and horses as they compete in the 2023-24 Jumps season.
The 6×60 series, produced by South Shore and supported by Flutter and Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has access all areas from weighing rooms to stable yards as cameras follow the dramatic high octane thrills, emotion and drama both on and off the racetrack.
Champions: Full Gallop [W/T] gets a backstage pass to the lives of jockeys and trainers at some of the best Jumps fixtures, including world famous Grand National and the Cheltenham Festival. Millions of people will be watching, millions of pounds will be bet and millions more will be up for grabs in prize money.
Among other racing figures, the series will feature exclusive access to Harry Cobden and Sean Bowen in the fight for champion jockey as well as Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls as they vie for the champion trainer title.
The series will take in all the elements that make racing such a compelling sport, from helmet-mounted cameras that will provide the visceral experience of the risk each jockey takes when racing the jumps, to the charismatic owners – from salt-of-the-earth syndicates to landed gentry and royalty – trainers and stable staff who invest so much in the welfare of their horses.
Following the dramatic highs and lows of the jockey and trainers championships, the series will take viewers on a journey into racing, providing a unique insight into the sport, its stories and its characters from parade ring to the winning post.
Champions: Full Gallop [W/T] is commissioned for ITV by Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment commissioning, ITV and Lily Wilson, commissioning editor for Entertainment, ITV. Executive producers for South Shore are Mel Leach, Andrew Mackenzie and Tom Willis. Series director is Matt Haan.
Rawcliffe said: “We are excited to be bringing Champions: Full Gallop to ITV and ITVX this summer. It’s an opportunity to see at close quarters the adrenaline, tension, drama and emotion that goes on behind the scenes of Jump Racing.
“The series promises a rich mix of excitement, colourful personalities and powerful stories. ITV is pleased to work with South Shore and partner with Flutter and RMG to bring viewers a show that will lift the lid on this fascinating sport and the unique characters that make it tick.”
