There’s a quiet conviction in Brendan Powell’s voice — the kind that comes from trust, history, and a touch of unfinished business. As the seasoned jockey prepares to partner JPR One in Friday’s Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, he knows victory would do more than defend a crown — it would set the tone for the season ahead.
Powell, 30, has good reason to be optimistic. The Joe Tizzard-trained eight-year-old delivered a career highlight in the same race last year, edging home by three-quarters of a length over Djelo, who went on to win the Charlie Hall Chase just yesterday. This time, however, the challenge is steeper: JPR One must shoulder a mark of 153, up from 149 last season.
Still, Powell isn’t blinking. “He’s not well-handicapped, but he’s capable,” he said with typical understatement. “He runs well fresh — the first run is always the time to catch him. He’s been schooling beautifully, and it would be lovely to start the season with something like this.”
Ground Favouring the Bold
While some might point to field size or form lines, Powell believes the key lies underfoot. “He’s much better on decent ground,” he explained. “Last year it was quick, which suited him perfectly — he jumped, travelled, and put the race to bed smoothly. Hopefully, we’ll get similar conditions again.”
The gelding’s record backs that view. Though JPR One has shown grit on softer going — notably when finishing third in the Tingle Creek — his turn of foot is sharper when the surface is sound. “On soft, he just doesn’t have that same boot off the second last,” Powell admitted. “On good ground, he really picks up.”
A Bit of Mischief in the Mettle
Powell’s admiration for his mount comes laced with fond amusement. “He’s a straightforward ride,” he said, “but you wouldn’t want to stand too close if he’s in a bad mood — he might take a chunk out of you.”
That spark, though, is part of what makes JPR One special. “He’ll throw in a buck now and then up the gallop — it’s his way of saying he’s feeling well,” Powell smiled. “When he’s kicking rails in the parade ring, that’s usually a good sign.”
For both jockey and trainer, the Haldon Gold Cup has been a happy hunting ground. Tizzard won it as a jockey aboard Cue Card and has since taken the last two editions as a trainer — Elixir de Nutz in 2023 and JPR One in 2024.
“Exeter’s a local track for the team,” Powell added. “The West Country crowd always gives you a great reception. It would mean a lot to give them another reason to cheer.”
Read more racing stories and updates at RaceBuzz.
