Brendan Powell: “The Big Breakaway has his mojo back now”

Jockey Brendan Powell previews his four rides at Taunton on Friday and gives us his reaction to The Big Breakaway’s runner-up finish in the Coral Welsh Grand National.

The Big Breakaway reaction

It was a big run from The Big Breakaway in the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow. He did everything right but win. We gave the winner 26lb in weight, which is a lot when conditions are testing like they were.

The winner was second in the race a couple of years ago off a 17lb higher mark, so it was a great effort in the closing stages. The Big Breakaway travelled through the race a lot better than he had done in a while. I think he is just starting to get his mojo back now, so it won’t be long before he wins a big race again.

Joe will now sit down with the owners and discuss the next options for the horse. The Grand National at Aintree is a completely different test, but I am sure it will be under consideration, as will all the staying chases in the second half of the season.

Friday

12.45 Taunton – Tidal Storm

Ed Walker is not known for having too many jumpers. It is the horse’s first run over hurdles so it will be a completely different test to what he has been up against. He has won over 1m4f on the Flat, so he should have no issues with his stamina.

His highest mark on the Flat was 73, so if he takes to hurdles, and there is no reason why he won’t do, he will have a good chance in this race.