In addition to watching the live action unfold on the racetrack, football pitch, golf course, and so on, it seems that sports fans are eager to learn a little more about what goes on behind the scenes and dive into the lives of their heroes.
The Netflix series Formula 1: Drive To Survive opened the floodgates – resulting in a surge in interest in all things F1 following its 2019 debut. Now into its sixth series, the success of Drive To Survive has sparked an explosion in the production of the sporting docuseries. Hot on the heels of Break Point (tennis), Full Swing (golf), and All or Nothing (football), horse racing is now taking its turn to step into the spotlight with the ITV series Champions: Full Gallop.
A Huge Opportunity
Unlike Drive to Survive and Full Swing, which are only available on streaming platforms, Champions: Full Gallop will be free to anyone with a TV who wants to watch it. That comparative advantage hands the series the opportunity to become one of the most successful sporting docuseries yet – at a time when racing most needs it.
Whilst the quality of the action at the track over the past 12 months has largely lived up to its usual high standards – with the 2024 Royal Ascot meeting, in particular, producing a thrilling spectacle – the state of the racing industry, as a whole, hasn’t been quite so bright. In an era of dwindling attendance, falling betting turnover, and the knock-on effect on prize money, racing could do with a shot in the arm.
Champions: Full Gallop could provide that much-needed boost. A look at the lives of the F1 drivers, what goes on behind the scenes, and, most crucially, the entertaining personalities of Drive To Survive created legions of new Formula 1 fans. If this new racing series can approach anything like that success, ITV and the sport as a whole will be on to a winner.
Stars of the Show
The National Hunt sphere provides the stage for the unfolding drama in a series which focuses on the jumping arm of the sport and features some of the biggest names in the game.
Conceived by ITV Commercial Director Simon Dalglish three years ago, the proposal sparked the interest of production company South Shore. Seeking to attract the support of a big name within the sport, South Shore approached 14-time Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls, who was immediately on board – allowing South Shore to film the pilot episode at his Ditcheat operation, which led to the series receiving the green light. Joint chief executive of South Shore Mel Leach summed up Nicholl’s importance to the project when stating, “We would never have made this show if it wasn’t for Paul Nicholls.”
Nicholls and his staff remain central to the series, with Champion Jockey Harry Cobden predicted to steal the limelight with his insight and entertaining quips. Now nicknamed “Hollywood Harry”, Cobden is heavily featured in the opening two episodes, which focus on the build-up to the 2023 King George VI Chase at Kempton and his close-run battle with Sean Bowen for the Jockeys Championship.
Boasting a personality as big as his frame, Shark Hanlon seems sure to endear himself to those new to the sport, with Nico de Boinville, Sean Bowen, and Gavin Sheehan amongst the other star names involved.
And then, of course, there are the horses. One of the key opportunities of the series is the chance to show just how loved and well cared for the true stars of the sport are – well illustrated in an early episode which features Frodon moving into retirement at the home of former jockey Bryony Frost.
Where To Watch?
Champions: Full Gallop premiered at a glitzy event in London on Tuesday, 16th July 2024, with Peter Crouch, Darren Gough, and Chris Robshaw amongst the sporting stars in attendance.
For those looking to tune in at home, the first episode airs at 9 pm on Friday, 19th July, whilst the first three of six episodes are now available anytime on ITVX.
