TURNING POWER OFF
ROBBIE POWER stunned racing yesterday by revealing he’s set to quit the saddle.
The Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cupwinning rider will retire after racing at Punchestown today. He made the announcement after partnering Magic Daze to victory at the Irish track
Power, 40, who thanked trainer Jessica Harrington for being his biggest supporter throughout his career, has also enjoyed success with Gordon Elliott and had a short spell in the UK with Colin Tizzard.
Power said: “It’s down to the injuries. I had my back operated on last summer, got back in October and then I fractured my hip.
“I’m 41 next month and I’m not getting any younger.
“The family are coming tomorrow and I’ve got a couple of good rides left. There’s been days I’ve woke up thinking this was it. If I’d won the Gold Cup I’d have gone then – but Punchestown has been lucky for me so to go here, where I rode my first winner and now I’m guaranteed to ride my last one here, that will do.”
Willie Mullins again stole the show at Punchestown yesterday, claiming the Stayers’ Hurdle with Klassical Dream (11-10fav) and Grade 1 novice chase with Blue Lord (2-1fav.
Today, BARTZELLA (3.15) can bloom for William Haggas in the Daisy Warwick Stakes at Goodwood.
The filly improved again when bolting up from Without Envy in a hot Ascot novice in October. The daughter of Golden Horn will be even better at four .
NEW KINGDOM (1.30) can extend Charlie Appleby’s great run in the EBF Conditions Stakes. The colt didn’t quite stay 1m 2f when third behind Nations Pride in the Jumeirah
Derby at Meydan. That was still an excellent effort so this pacey type can get his career back on track over a fast mile.
The William Hill Handicap looks competitive but I’m siding with CLARENDON HOUSE (2:40).
Robert Cowell’s colt ended a productive 2021 by chinning the useful Primo’s Comet at Musselburgh. The sprinter looks open to progress at four so he can dish out weight and a beating to a decent field.