Tuesday, 31 December 2024

ITV Confirms Return of Champions: Full Gallop for Autumn 2025

Image: ITV Press

By Jon Donnis

ITV has confirmed the return of Champions: Full Gallop for a second series, set to premiere in the autumn of 2025. Following the success of its debut season, the docuseries will continue to delve into the captivating world of jumps racing. Produced by South Shore, with support from Flutter, the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), and Racecourse Media Group (RMG), the series will air on ITV and ITVX.

This six-episode season promises to take viewers deeper into the thrills and challenges of the jumps season. The focus will remain on the high stakes of the sport, with the spotlight on the £500,000 David Power Jockeys' Cup, a fiercely contested prize that encapsulates the drama and determination that defines jumps racing. The program will serve as a backstage pass to the most significant events in the racing calendar, including the prestigious Cheltenham Festival and the iconic Randox Grand National.

Returning for the second series are beloved figures from the first season, such as Harry Cobden, Sean Bowen, Harry and Dan Skelton, and Paul Nicholls. Joining them are new faces who bring fresh energy to the narrative, including teenage prodigy Freddie Gingell. The cameras will capture every pivotal moment, offering an intimate look at the pressures, triumphs, and heartbreaks experienced by the jockeys, trainers, and teams throughout the 2024/25 season.

ITV Entertainment's Lily Wilson expressed her excitement, emphasizing how the series will continue to immerse audiences in the world of jumps racing, from the bustling stable yards to the adrenaline-fueled race tracks. Alan Delmonte of the HBLB highlighted the series as a cornerstone of the sport's promotional efforts for 2025, noting the Levy Board's commitment to supporting and promoting the show. Nick Mills of RMG echoed these sentiments, underscoring the collaborative effort within the racing community to bring the series to life.

Steve Birch of Sky Betting and Gaming described the series as a celebration of the sport's remarkable athletes and its compelling narratives. He noted that Champions: Full Gallop is an ideal platform to showcase the extraordinary talent and resilience within jumps racing. With its blend of raw emotion, behind-the-scenes access, and top-tier competition, the series is poised to further captivate fans and newcomers alike, offering an unparalleled look at one of racing's most dynamic disciplines.

The upcoming season promises to be as riveting as the first, reaffirming its place as a definitive portrayal of the sport's essence and excitement.

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