The Irish Road To Cheltenham is a new five-part observational documentary series, broadcast in association with Horse Racing Ireland on RTÉ One, beginning Thursday 7th March at 8.30pm.
This observational documentary follows five well-known jump jockeys throughout the 2012/2013 National Hunt season whose ultimate objective is to compete at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2013 – The ‘Olympics’ of National Hunt racing. Jockeys Davy Russell (current National Hunt Champion Jockey), Nina Carberry, Andrew Lynch, Andrew McNamara (Andy Mc) and Robert ‘Puppy’ Power will give us unique access to their lives and a glimpse into the physical and mental lengths they go to for their profession.
The fly-on-the-wall series will provide a deep insight into the world of Irish National Hunt Jockeys who compete in one of the toughest sports in the world and will document their lifestyle on and off the track including the risks, the sacrifice and the physical challenges that go along with being a National Hunt jockey.
Speaking about the upcoming series, Michael O’Rourke Director of Strategy and Marketing at HRI said: ‘’Every year, from the start of the National Hunt season, racing fans start to look out for horses and jockeys who might make it to Cheltenham. The series will give viewers a sense of our jockeys’ extraordinary skill and affinity with horses and their unique combination of mental and physical courage.”
Ray McCarthy, Commissioning Editor, RTÉ Television said: “Horse racing is such a particular passion of the Irish and so RTÉ are excited to be showcasing this new series which will give viewers a special insight into this world.”
The Irish Road to Cheltenham will show viewers the passion, excitement and authentically-Irish flavor of National Hunt racing from all around the country as it follows five of our top National Hunt Jockeys on their journey to the Cheltenham Festival.
Produced by Animo Television for RTÉ in association with Horse Racing Ireland.
Profiles on the Jockeys are available by clicking the links below: