Grand National for the second time in his career after a nightmare season with injuries.Power, 40, is one of National Hunt racing's most experienced and successful jockeys, having tasted victory in some of the sport’s most high-profile races. "Puppy", as he is affectionately known, famously rode the winner of the English Grand National on only his second ride in the race in 2007, steering home 33/1 shot Silver Birch for Gordon Elliott.He also won the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard Sizing John and has multiple other Grade 1 successes to fall back upon.
But this season has been difficult for Power, who has missed large chunks of the campaign through injury.The popular Irishman had a delayed start to the year after undergoing surgery on his back to remove a trapped nerve.
He returned to the saddle in October – but within days he was back on the sidelines following a nasty unseat on Hans Gruber at Tramore.That incident kept Power out for three and a half months and meant he missed a plum ride on Bob Olinger at Gowran Park.
But he came back again in January – and now he’s looking to make up for lost time with success in the Irish Grand National. "It's for races like the Irish Grand National that I want to get back and fit again," he said speaking exclusively to Daily Star Sport courtesy of BoyleXtra. "When you're sat on the side-lines after injury, you weigh things up and it's these races that you're fighting to get back for.
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