Turf Talk: Grand National-winning jockey Brendan Powell retires from training ranks

The Irishman produced a remarkable effort in the saddle when winning the National for David Elsworth, and went on to have a successful training career himself, enjoying notable triumphs in Dubai with Dark Emerald. Powell, 59, said: “I have no regrets about giving up training. The time has come to do something else with my life. I’ve been extremely lucky to have two successful careers in racing, especially as Jenny Pitman and and David Gandolfo both said I’d never make a jockey!”

Rhyme ‘N’ Reason was sent off the 10-1 second-favourite for the Aintree spectacular and gave his supporters a rollercoaster ride. He looked out of contention when a terrible blunder jumping Becher’s Brook the first time relegated him to the rear of the field, as he all but fell.

However, Powell kept his cool and somehow recovered his position, being left in front after Little Polveir, who would win the following year’s National, unseated Tom Morgan five fences from the finish.

Rhyme ‘N’ Reason still seemed booked for minor honours after the strong-travelling Durham Edition moved ominously alongside and kicked clear – but there was another twist in the plot, as Powell’s mount rallied and got back up to claim glory. Powell also tasted victory in the Scottish National, winning the big race at Ayr twice, aboard Roll-A-Joint in 1989 and Young Kenny 10 years later.

Meanwhile, Pilaster appears to hold all the aces as she returns to action in the Barry Hills Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham.

The four-year-old made rapid strides during 2018, winning a couple of all-weather maidens before making the leap to Group Two glory at Goodwood in the Lillie Langtry Stakes.

SOBOT’S SELECTIONS

KEMPTON: 4.35 Waqt, 5.10 You Little Ripper, 5.45 Characteristic, 6.15 Es Que Magic, 6.45 Goldslinger, 7.15 Kingfast, 7.45 Collide, 8.15 Secret Potion.

LINGFIELD: 2.20 Clement, 2.50 Javelin, 3.25 Shanghai Grace, 3.55 It Must Be Faith, 4.30 Vino Rosso, 5.00 Jamaican Jill, 5.35 Revamp.

NOTTINGHAM: 1.30 King Ademar, 2.00 Phoenix Star, 2.30 Pocket Dynamo (next best), 3.05 PILASTER (NAP), 3.35 New Graduate, 4.10 Ambient, 4.40 She’s Apples, 5.15 Nabbeyl.

WARWICK: 2.10 Hang Tough, 2.40 Bubbles Of Gold, 3.15 Newtown Boy, 3.45 Just Minded (treble), 4.20 Steel Bob, 4.50 Nickname Guest, 5.25 Raising The Bar, 5.50 Sid Hoodie.