Death of 'very special man with immense passion' David Powell

Tributes have been paid to David Powell, the widely respected French-based horseman after his death at the weekend.

An American who moved to France in the 1970s, he found work as both a journalist and on a variety of French studs before founding Haras du Lieu des Champs in Coupesarte in the early 80s.

Powell was involved across the industry as a breeder, trainer, owner and agent, and was a long-serving manager for the late Magalen Bryant.

He was involved in bringing through a number of her great jumpers, such as Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris winners Milord Thomas and So French, and he raised Pennekamp, the Guineas winner who was sold to Sheikh Mohammed.

He was also the joint-breeder (with his wife) of Sabin Du Loir, who beat Dawn Run into second place in the Sun Alliance (now Ballymore) Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in 1983 and became a top-class two-mile chaser.

Powell represented Highflyer Bloodstock, whose Anthony Bromley tweeted: "A very sad day indeed. David Powell was a very special man with immense passion for the sport he loved and the horses he nurtured, produced and often mended. His eye for a champion was unparalleled and he taught me so much. I cannot believe he has gone. Please rest peacefully."

Meanwhile, owner Simon Munir added: "It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our racing manager in France David Powell. A pioneer who loved the sport and put heart and soul into #Doublegreen RIP dear David. Our prayers and thoughts are with David and his family."

Of his sons, Richard owns the stud, Leonard is a trainer in America and Freddy an executive director at Arqana, while stepson Arnaud Delacour is also a trainer.

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