BRENDAN POWELL has left Ireland to take up a new role with trainer Rebecca Menzies near Sedgefield

in Durham.

A Grand National winning rider, Brendan trained successfully for many years himself in England before moving to Ireland in 2019 to join Joseph O’Brien’s team. Over the past four and a half years Brendan has been a familiar face at the races and Irish racing will be the poorer for his decision to return to England.

Brendan popped up at Pontefract last Sunday and told Racing UK: “I’m just off the ferry and I’ve staying to work for Rebecca Menzies. I’ve had nearly five great years with Joseph but there’s a few things I want to do over here.

“I think Rebecca is a trainer going places. She’s bought a few horses [out of Joseph O’Brien’s yard] and done well with them. I’m going to give her a hand, see how it goes.”