Dark Emerald horse trainer Powell retires
BRENDAN POWELL, famous for partnering Rhyme ‘n’ Reason to victory in the 1988 Grand National, has saddled his final runners as a trainer. The Irishman, 59, also known for his associations in the saddle, with the likes of National Hunt legends Dublin Flyer and Panto Prince, sent out an impressive 645 winners under both codes in a 19-year training career which saw him enjoy success all over the world. Bargain-buy Dark Emerald was arguably Powell’s most remarkable achievement, progressing from a minor Leicester success to win backto-back Meydan handicaps in Dubai before finishing second in the Zabeel Mile, rated 112. Success in the Middle East was a far cry from the Newton Abbot seller — where the affable Lambourn handler sent out his first runner for fellow Irish trainer Ted Walsh. He said: ‘It seems a long time ago now, but Ted sent me over this little filly and said ‘see what you can do with her’. She was second at Newton Abbot in a god awful race and I can’t say at that stage I was ever dreaming of training Dubai winners! ‘I have no regrets about giving up training. Time has come to do something else with my life. ‘I’ve been extremely lucky to enjoy two successful careers in racing, especially as both Jenny Pitman and David Gandolfo both said I’d never make a jockey!’