Johnny Powell
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That could have been the motto for Captain Johnny Powell, who finished second three times in Sandown’s Grand Military Gold Cup before finally winning it in 1967 on Indian Spice, his last ride in the race and his final winner under National Hunt rules.
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That could have been the motto for Captain Johnny Powell, who finished second three times in Sandown’s Grand Military Gold Cup before finally winning it in 1967 on Indian Spice, his last ride in the race and his final winner under National Hunt rules.
A popular and first-rate soldier rider, John Middleton Neilson Powell served in the Queen’s Own Hussars and was the son of the successful Aldbourne trainer Captain ‘Bay’ Powell. He first three wins were all gained on his father’s selling hurdler Phariza, the first of those being at Hurst Park on March 6, 1954. The other two victories came the following season at Devon & Exeter and Uttoxeter.
A popular and first-rate soldier rider, John Middleton Neilson Powell served in the Queen’s Own Hussars and was the son of the successful Aldbourne trainer Captain ‘Bay’ Powell. He first three wins were all gained on his father’s selling hurdler Phariza, the first of those being at Hurst Park on March 6, 1954. The other two victories came the following season at Devon & Exeter and Uttoxeter.
He first rode in the Grand Military Gold Cup in 1957, finishing second on Reveille behind Major Richard Dill on Easter Breeze. He finished second again in 1961 on Blue Moth, beaten a length and a half by Captain Sir Nicholas Nuttall on Stalbridge Park. Then in 1966 he was runner-up for a third time on the Fred Winter-trained Indian Spice, after his mount had made a bad mistake three-quarters of a mile from home when chasing the eventual winner Willow King, on whom Captain Christopher Perry had poached an unassailable lead.
He first rode in the Grand Military Gold Cup in 1957, finishing second on Reveille behind Major Richard Dill on Easter Breeze. He finished second again in 1961 on Blue Moth, beaten a length and a half by Captain Sir Nicholas Nuttall on Stalbridge Park. Then in 1966 he was runner-up for a third time on the Fred Winter-trained Indian Spice, after his mount had made a bad mistake three-quarters of a mile from home when chasing the eventual winner Willow King, on whom Captain Christopher Perry had poached an unassailable lead.
Twelve months later, again riding Indian Spice, Johnny took a leaf out of Captain Perry’s book. Just as the latter had done on Willow King the year before, Johnny sent Indian Spice into a long lead at the start of the second circuit, after Brother “J” had made the early running. Willow King had stayed with them for the first half of the race but then began to drop out of contention. Indian Spice had Brother “J” off the bit going to the water for the second time and was never in serious danger thereafter. Although Brown Diamond and April Rose both closed slightly between the last two fences, Indian Spice stayed on to pass the post six lengths clear.
Twelve months later, again riding Indian Spice, Johnny took a leaf out of Captain Perry’s book. Just as the latter had done on Willow King the year before, Johnny sent Indian Spice into a long lead at the start of the second circuit, after Brother “J” had made the early running. Willow King had stayed with them for the first half of the race but then began to drop out of contention. Indian Spice had Brother “J” off the bit going to the water for the second time and was never in serious danger thereafter. Although Brown Diamond and April Rose both closed slightly between the last two fences, Indian Spice stayed on to pass the post six lengths clear.
Indian Spice was owned by Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Beyfus. It was the first triumph for a horse owned by a naval officer since Lieutenant Dicky Courage rode his Young Cuthbert to victory in 1935.
Indian Spice was owned by Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Beyfus. It was the first triumph for a horse owned by a naval officer since Lieutenant Dicky Courage rode his Young Cuthbert to victory in 1935.
The race was run on St. Patrick’s Day, and the Queen’s Own Hussars were an amalgamation of the Fourth Hussars and the Eighth Royal Irish Hussars. In 1961, Johnny had ridden the Neville Crump-trained Much Obliged – winner of the first Whitbread Gold Cup in 1957 – to victory in the Past and Present Hunters’ Chase at Sandown’s Grand Military meeting. That was also on St Patrick’s Day, so Captain Powell clearly had his patron saint with him on those days.
The race was run on St. Patrick’s Day, and the Queen’s Own Hussars were an amalgamation of the Fourth Hussars and the Eighth Royal Irish Hussars. In 1961, Johnny had ridden the Neville Crump-trained Much Obliged – winner of the first Whitbread Gold Cup in 1957 – to victory in the Past and Present Hunters’ Chase at Sandown’s Grand Military meeting. That was also on St Patrick’s Day, so Captain Powell clearly had his patron saint with him on those days.
Captain Johnny Powell rode many winners while serving overseas. His British National Hunt winners include:
Captain Johnny Powell rode many winners while serving overseas. His British National Hunt winners include:
Phariza, Hurst Park, March 6, 1954
Phariza, Hurst Park, March 6, 1954
Phariza, Devon & Exeter, September 8, 1954
Phariza, Devon & Exeter, September 8, 1954
Phariza, Uttoxeter, April 2, 1955
Phariza, Uttoxeter, April 2, 1955
Court Glory, Taunton, December 27, 1957
Court Glory, Taunton, December 27, 1957
Three Gates, Lingfield Park, March 19, 1958
Three Gates, Lingfield Park, March 19, 1958
Much Obliged, Sandown Park, March 17, 1961
Much Obliged, Sandown Park, March 17, 1961
Soldanora, Carlisle, April 9, 1966
Soldanora, Carlisle, April 9, 1966
Indian Spice, Sandown Park, March 17, 1967
Indian Spice, Sandown Park, March 17, 1967
Captain J Powell Indian Spice 1967.
Captain J Powell Indian Spice 1967.
