Brendan Powell
At Hereford on Wednesday, June 14, 2000, 39-year-old Brendan Gerard Powell climbed upon a racehorse for the last time as a professional jockey. His mount, Radar, was not aware of the occasion, and trailed in third, beaten 10 lengths and eight.
At Hereford on Wednesday, June 14, 2000, 39-year-old Brendan Gerard Powell climbed upon a racehorse for the last time as a professional jockey. His mount, Radar, was not aware of the occasion, and trailed in third, beaten 10 lengths and eight.
Brendan was born in Naas on October 14, 1960, and, since coming to England in 1979, had amassed some 700 winners in Britain and a further 85 abroad. He'd started as a stable boy for Jenny Pitman before riding as an amateur for Stan Mellor and David Gandolfo.
Brendan was born in Naas on October 14, 1960, and, since coming to England in 1979, had amassed some 700 winners in Britain and a further 85 abroad. He'd started as a stable boy for Jenny Pitman before riding as an amateur for Stan Mellor and David Gandolfo.
In his splendid book 'Kings For A Day', Reg Green incorrectly gives Brendan's first winner as Button Boy at Windsor on January 30, 1982. This is incorrect as, too, is his assertion that Brendan came third on the same horse three weeks later behind Badsworth Boy & Rathgorman. Button Boy wasn't entered at Windsor.
In his splendid book 'Kings For A Day', Reg Green incorrectly gives Brendan's first winner as Button Boy at Windsor on January 30, 1982. This is incorrect as, too, is his assertion that Brendan came third on the same horse three weeks later behind Badsworth Boy & Rathgorman. Button Boy wasn't entered at Windsor.
His first ride in the Grand National came in 1987. He fell at the third, breaking his arm. Brendan was back again the following year aboard Rhyme 'N' Reason. This time there was no mistake though he had to survive an horrendous mistake at Becher's and a visit to the Stewards to answer their charges of excessive use of the whip in the closing stages.
His first ride in the Grand National came in 1987. He fell at the third, breaking his arm. Brendan was back again the following year aboard Rhyme 'N' Reason. This time there was no mistake though he had to survive an horrendous mistake at Becher's and a visit to the Stewards to answer their charges of excessive use of the whip in the closing stages.
Brendan also won 2 Scottish Nationals (Roll-a-Joint,1989 & Young Kenny, 1999), and enjoyed success at the Cheltenham Festival. He also won the Irish Champion Hurdle.
Brendan also won 2 Scottish Nationals (Roll-a-Joint,1989 & Young Kenny, 1999), and enjoyed success at the Cheltenham Festival. He also won the Irish Champion Hurdle.
Starting with a stable of just four horses, Brendan started training in Winchester in June 2000. His first winner with My Galliano at Kempton in the September.
Starting with a stable of just four horses, Brendan started training in Winchester in June 2000. His first winner with My Galliano at Kempton in the September.
His son, Brendan Junior, followed his father into the profession.
His son, Brendan Junior, followed his father into the profession.
Grand National winner: Rhyme ‘N’ Reason (1988)
Grand National winner: Rhyme ‘N’ Reason (1988)
Other big winners:
Other big winners:
1988: Tote Gold Trophy – Jamesmead
1988: Tote Gold Trophy – Jamesmead
1988: Racing Post Handicap Chase – Rhyme ‘N’ Reason
1988: Racing Post Handicap Chase – Rhyme ‘N’ Reason
1988: A. F. Budge Gold Cup – Pegwell Bay
1988: A. F. Budge Gold Cup – Pegwell Bay
1989: Scottish Grand National – Roll-a-Joint
1989: Scottish Grand National – Roll-a-Joint
1990: Irish Champion Hurdle – Nomadic Way
1990: Irish Champion Hurdle – Nomadic Way
1992: Tote Jackpot Hurdle – Black Sapphire
1992: Tote Jackpot Hurdle – Black Sapphire
1994: Tripleprint Gold Cup – Dublin Flyer
1994: Tripleprint Gold Cup – Dublin Flyer
1995: John Hughes Memorial Trophy Chase – Dublin Flyer
1995: John Hughes Memorial Trophy Chase – Dublin Flyer
1995: Mackeson Gold Cup – Dublin Flyer
1995: Mackeson Gold Cup – Dublin Flyer
1996: Midlands Grand National – Another Excuse
1996: Midlands Grand National – Another Excuse
1999: Scottish Grand National – Young Kenny
1999: Scottish Grand National – Young Kenny
1999: Midlands Grand National – Young Kenny
1999: Midlands Grand National – Young Kenny