This month we talk to Grand National winning jockey Brendan Powell & talk about Influences, winning the Grand National & Training a successful string of horses –
Hi Brendan, thanks for taking the time to talk to us at 3 Furlongs Out, I hope we find you & the stable well
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1 – How did your interest in horses & racing begin?
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.My father was a jockey and managed stud farms all his life, so I was born into it. I was on ponies from the time I could walk so it was always in the blood.
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2 – Did you always want to be a Jockey at School or did you have other idea’s?
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.I did, but there was a time when, for some reason, I wanted to be a bus conductor. God knows why.
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3 – Can you remember your 1st winner as a Jockey & as a Trainer?
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.As a jockey it was Button Boy at Windsor and My Galliano as a trainer at Kempton.
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4 – Was winning the Grand National the pinnacle of your career as a Jockey?
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Without a doubt. It was always my ambition to ride in it, let alone win it.
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5 – Was it a natural progression to become a Trainer?
.I always wanted to train. Sometimes I wish I had stayed at school.
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6- As a Grand National winning Jockey does that make life tougher as a Trainer?
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.Not really. That was 29 years ago and training is another chapter in my life.
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7- Can you tell us how many horse you have in the yard at anyone time & what the splits are (Hurdlers/Chasers/Bumpers/Flat)?
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I have 35 stables and I would say 2/3 flat and 1/3 jumpers. Some flat horses will go jumping.
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8 – Racing has changed a lot in the last 30 years, how have you had to adapt?
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It gets so commercial. I’m afraid you have to be a big name to get the big owners. Big owners and syndicates won’t use small trainers.
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9 – Who has influenced your career?
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David Elsworth is probably the one trainer I look up to. He has trained 5f Group winners to Gold Cup and Grand National winners. Mad but a genius.
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10 – Do you set targets for the yard each season & what represents a good season for Team Powell?
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This has probably been my worst season so far as the horses have been wrong most of the summer. Any winner is a target at the moment.
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11 – If you could OWN or TRAIN any horse Past or Present, who would that be & why?
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Frankel. He had everything and was trained by a genius.
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12 – Can you give our readers a couple of horses to follow for the season?
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Mere Ironmonger and Finula jumping. Kirkland Forever and Despacito on the flat.
Many thanks to Brendan for his time & we wish Team Powell a successful season.
Interview by Rich Williams – 3 Furlongs Out & Arseonline
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