'He gave me two of my biggest winners outside of the Cheltenham Festival' - Brendan Powell relishing ride in Veterans' Final

Jockey Brendan Powell is hoping to roll back the years on one of his favourite horses in training when getting the leg-up on Eldorado Allen in the Unibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase Final at Sandown on Saturday.

Eldorado Allen is one of nine horses declared for the £100,000 contest as he seeks his first victory since the 2022 Grade 2 Denman Chase at Newbury for trainer Joe Tizzard and owners John Romans and Terry Warner.

The 11-year-old was partnered to success that day by Powell, who was also on board for his 2021 Haldon Gold Cup victory, as well as steering him to placed efforts in the Betfair Chase, Charlie Hall Chase and Ryanair among other races.

Powell said: “I don’t have too many favourites, but of those few that I do he is definitely one of them. He’s been a star for the Tizzard team over the years and his wins in the Haldon Gold Cup and the Denman Chase are two of my biggest winners outside of the Cheltenham Festival. 

“He was a classy horse on his day, probably just below Grade 1 level, and you wouldn’t guess he’s the age he is from riding him, so it’s good horses like him have an opportunity to run in a race like this.”

Copperhead (right): second in a veterans' chase at Cheltenham last monthCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Powell has twice been in the money in the Veterans’ Handicap Chase Final on Tizzard-trained runners, steering Theatrical Star to second in 2017 and Golden Chieftain to fourth in 2016.

Eldorado Allen was third last time out over 2m4½f and Powell expects his mount to improve for the step up in trip to three miles, while he rates stablemate Copperhead as among his biggest threats.

“Copperhead’s definitely a big danger,” Powell said. “It’s amazing to think he went so long without winning before getting those three wins on the bounce earlier this season.

“I thought Eldorado Allen travelled well last time and was just a bit outpaced at halfway. I thought to myself if I go with these horses now then I’m going to ruin my own chance, and I’m so pleased I waited as he stayed on really well all the way to the line and the step up in trip is going to suit him.

“It’s great that these older horses get the chance to go for a big prize as they can find it a tough task against the younger horses, and you can see from Eldorado Allen that he still loves the game.”

Unibet Veterans' Handicap Chase (Sandown, Saturday)
Unibet: 3-1 Copperhead, 9-2 Eldorado Allen, 11-2 Sam Brown, 6 Ask Me Early, Empire Steel, 10 Fortescue, 12 Remastered, Smarty Wild, 16 Chambard.

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