LOFTY AMBITION
Power is aiming to shock the big boys
BESIDE Loftus Hall, which claims to be Ireland’s most haunted house, Pierce Power has been plotting a Cheltenham Festival scare for his rival trainers in today’s Foxhunter Chase.
The Hook Head handler runs only one horse on the track, the superbly-named Burning Ambition, who could deliver a fairytale win in the ‘amateur’s Gold Cup’ and reward backers who believe the seven-year-old can deliver a fifth Irish success in six years.
And should Power oversee a success, which would warm the flintiest of hearts, there will be bonfires burning on the ‘Hook’ like there used to be when the monks acted as look-outs for ships astray.
This is a genuine David v Goliath story as Power is up against top trainers like Paul Nicholls, Colin Tizzard, Gordon Elliott and Enda Bolger — salty veterans of the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure.
Bolger sent out On The Fringe to win in 2015 and 2016, while 12 months ago Nicholls saddled Pacha Du Polder, who returns to defend his title.
As for Power, chiefly a point-to-point operator, he has only been to Cheltenham to the sales, or to cheer on his cousin Robbie, as he did last year on Supasundae in the Coral Cup before heading home.
‘Wouldn’t it be great if Robbie won the Gold Cup on Sizing John and our fella did the business in the next race?’ enthused Power. ‘That would be a dream double.’ The notion of having a runner at the Festival didn’t strike Power as the point-topoint season generated steam last November. ‘We’re purely a pointto-point yard, and we also buy and sell young horses,’ explained Power, who spent time at Aidan O’Brien’s yard and was later head lad with David Wachman for four years.
‘I have a license to train but only need it for one horse, Burning Ambition as he’s the only horse in the yard for the track. ‘When we got him first, he was a big, immature, horse. He was second in his first point-to-point, then he won, and won well again. But there was no one biting.
‘When he won the Open meeting at Moira [December 2], he was up against some good horses, like Sambremont and Aupcharlie, and we first started to think of the Foxhunters.
‘His win at Limerick at Christmas was effortless but we reckoned we’d need another run to ensure he was qualified for Cheltenham so we went to Punchestown last month.
‘It was a class race and he did great to be second to Gilgamboa, a Grade One chase winner, and was ahead of My Murphy, a Thyestes Chase winner and Ourmanmassini. After that, it’s been all systems go for Cheltenham.’
While Rob James has ridden the seven-year-old in all his seven races to date, Power has engaged Jamie Codd for today.
‘That’s nothing against Rob James but Jamie is more experienced, especially at Cheltenham, and has ridden winners at the Festival.’
After coming over from Rosslare on the ferry, this is Burning Ambition’s first taste of a huge racecourse crowd, and Power is praying he takes the pre-race palaver in his stride.
‘I’ve no fear about him over the trip or the fences but the Foxhunters is the race after the Gold Cup and the parade ring will still be buzzing with people after the big race, which might be unsettling, but I hope not.’
Wexford has enjoyed a long association with the Festival, with such successful trainers as O’Brien (Istabraq), Colm Murphy (Brave Inca, Big Zeb) and Paul Nolan (Noble Prince).
In addition, top jockey Conor O’Dwyer won the Gold Cup (War Of Attrition) and Champion Hurdle (Hardy Eustace).
All, in fairness, had a higher profile than Power which makes his story so fascinating. A win today would put Power on the map and surely lead to other prospective owners winding their way towards the ‘Hook’.
‘Our doors are always open for business,’ he quipped.