The world of horse racing has been thrust into the spotlight, but not for the reasons its enthusiasts might hope. Paul Nicholls, the fourteen-time champion trainer, has voiced his deep disappointment over the potential loss of the ITV docuseries Champions: Full Gallop, describing it as “a huge shame” for the sport. The series, which offered an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the 2023-24 jumps racing season, has sparked both widespread acclaim and significant controversy, with its future now hanging in the balance. Nicholls, a central figure in the documentary, believes the loss of this platform could deal a significant blow to horse racing’s visibility and appeal at a time when the sport is already grappling with challenges.

Champions: Full Gallop captivated audiences with its raw portrayal of the jumps racing world, following key figures like Nicholls, his stable jockey Harry Cobden, and other prominent trainers and jockeys, including Nicky Henderson, Willie Mullins, Dan Skelton, Bryony Frost, and Sean Bowen. The series, which aired its first season in a primetime slot on ITV1, averaged 930,000 viewers per episode and reached a total of 4.3 million people, a remarkable feat for a sport often struggling to capture mainstream attention. By providing access to weighing rooms, stable yards, and the personal lives of racing’s biggest stars, the documentary offered a fresh perspective, drawing comparisons to the transformative success of Formula 1’s Drive to Survive. Its ability to humanize the sport’s characters—both human and equine—while showcasing the grit, emotion, and adrenaline of jumps racing resonated with both dedicated fans and newcomers.

However, the series has not been without controversy. The decision by Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of betting giants Paddy Power, Betfair, and Sky Bet, to withdraw its £1 million funding for Champions: Full Gallop has ignited a firestorm within the racing community. Flutter cited “uncertainty” over a proposed Treasury plan to harmonize online betting duties in the upcoming autumn budget as the reason for pulling support, plunging the prospect of a third season into serious doubt. This move has drawn sharp criticism, with many arguing that the sport cannot afford to lose such a powerful promotional tool. Nicholls, whose Ditcheat stables were prominently featured, emphasized the series’ role in showcasing the passion and dedication behind racing. “Anything that’s there to promote racing is a good thing,” he told the Racing Post. “It’s given people a chance to get to know more about the characters in the game beyond what you see week in, week out.”

The controversy surrounding Flutter’s withdrawal has also reignited broader debates about the sport’s sustainability and public perception. Horse racing has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years, particularly over animal welfare concerns. A 2021 BBC Panorama documentary, The Dark Side of Horse Racing, alleged that thousands of ex-racers were being sent to abattoirs, prompting Nicholls to publicly defend his commitment to equine welfare. He highlighted his efforts to ensure retired horses like Denman, Big Buck’s, and Zarkandar found good homes, underscoring that “the second half of their life is just as important as the first part.” While Champions: Full Gallop aimed to counter negative narratives by showcasing the care and dedication within the industry, some critics argue that its glamorized portrayal may have glossed over these deeper issues, fueling further debate.

The potential loss of Champions: Full Gallop comes at a critical juncture for horse racing, which is battling declining attendance and competition from other sports for media coverage. The series was seen as a lifeline, capable of attracting a new generation of fans by highlighting the sport’s emotional depth and competitive spirit. Racecourse Media Group’s chief executive, Martin Stevenson, described the documentary as a “huge opportunity” to build a broader fanbase, noting that its success could mirror the global impact of Drive to Survive. The second series, set to air next month, received additional funding from the Levy Board, but without Flutter’s support, the financial viability of future seasons remains uncertain.

Nicholls remains optimistic about racing’s future but is candid about the challenges. The loss of high-profile horses like Ginny’s Destiny and Kabral Du Mathan to rival trainers this season has been a setback, yet he is focused on his promising new recruits, including Caldwell Potter and Regent’s Stroll. However, the broader issue of maintaining public interest looms large. The controversy surrounding Champions: Full Gallop has underscored the delicate balance between promoting the sport’s allure and addressing its criticisms. As Nicholls put it, “It’s a huge amount of money, and anything that’s investing in the sport has to be a good thing.” For now, the racing community waits anxiously to see if the series can be saved, or if this “huge shame” will mark another missed opportunity for a sport striving to reclaim its place in the public eye.