Champions: Full Gallop is an ITV1 series that goes behind the scenes on the thrilling and dangerous world of jump jockey horse racing.
The six-part series gives an insight into the sport from the perspective of trainers, owners and even the horses themselves as they compete in the 2023-24 Jumps season.
"There's a lot of things you can't control out there," says Bryony Frost, one of the sport's leading riders, in the short trailer ITV has released (below). While in the same clip, Gavin Sheehan comments: "Anything can happen in the race".
Here's everything we know…
Champions: Full Gallop release date
Champions: Full Gallop began on Friday, July 19 at 9 pm on ITV1 and ITVX. The fifth episode airs on Friday, August 16 at 9 pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Note you can stream the whole series now on ITVX.
Check out our ITV racing schedule guide for when the next horse races are being shown on ITV.
What does it cover and who features?
Well we know from the trailer that Bryony Frost and Gavin Sheehan will be among the jockeys featured. The makers tease: "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."
They add: "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 - salt-of-the-earth syndicates to landed gentry and even royalty - trainers and stable staff who invest so much in the welfare of their horses."
It promises to be an amazing insight for fans of the sport. Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning, 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."
What happens in episode 1?
The first episode opens on Boxing Day at Kempton. The makers tease that "the horses line up for the historic big money King George VI chase, one of the most prestigious jump races of the entire season. On everybody’s lips: Will super horse Shishkin refuse to start again? Can the reigning 14-time trainers champion Paul Nicholls achieve further glory with last year’s winner, Bravemansgame, ridden by stable star Harry Cobden? Can Hewick, a small £800 horse from Ireland, upset the status quo and claim unlikely glory? Or can veteran horse Frodon rekindle his successful partnership with top female jockey Bryony Frost?"
What happens in episode 2?
ITV teases: "There are thrills and spills in the race to be champion jockey. Jockey Sean Bowen is riding high, 30 wins ahead of his nearest rival, Harry Cobden. Each must ride up to 700 horses in the season to achieve their goal."
What happens in episode 3?
The makers tease: "Seventy thousand race goers a day descend on Cheltenham for the most prestigious meeting of the jumps season. Jockeys and trainers are feeling the pressure, as they battle it out over 28 races across four days. With close to £5m in prize money the festival attracts the very best horses from UK and Ireland. Success here at Prestbury Park is a key stepping stone to glory in the Trainers Championship. Going into the festival, trainer Paul Nicholls leads the way, as he guns for a record equalling 15th title, but hot on his heels, is his former assistant and protégé Dan Skelton. Standing in their way, Irish Trainer Willie Mullins who is looking to write himself into the history books, as he targets an unprecedented 100th festival winner?"
What happens in episode 4?
ITV says: "The roller-coaster battle in the Trainers’ championship continues as Paul Nicholls and his former assistant Dan Skelton go head-to-head in a series of big money races in the Olympics of jump racing, the iconic Cheltenham Festival. Nerves and pressure run high in the weighing room as the jockeys prepare for the Festival’s centrepiece — the Gold Cup — considered the most prestigious and iconic race in the Jump racing calendar.
"A sell-out crowd roars the horses on — can Irish horse Galopin Des Champs defend his Gold Cup crown as trainer Willie Mullins bids to win the showpiece event for the fourth time in six years, or can four-time Gold Cup winning trainer Paul Nicholls exact revenge and land victory with last year’s runner-up, Bravemansgame?"
What happens in episode 5?
In episode 5 cameras focus on the Grand National, and the million-pound prize pot which draws a field of 34 riders and horses for a shot at glory at Aintree racecourse. Can Trainers Championship contenders Dan Skelton and Willie Mullins overcome last year's winner, the Lucinda Russell-trained horse, Corach Rambler? Or will it be a fairy tale David vs Goliath victory for amateur jockey Gina Andrew and her trainer husband, Tom Ellis with their family bred horse, Latenightpass?
What happens in episode 6?
After his success in the Grand National, Irish trainer Willie Mullins mounts an all-out assault for the British Trainers' championship over the final tense two weeks of the season. Can reigning champion Paul Nicholls hold on to his title, can his former protege Dan Skelton achieve his first championship title, or will Willie make history?
Is there a trailer?
Yes! See above.
