Robbie Power changes plans due to Covid lockdown Robbie Power has decided to base himself in Ireland for the time being due to the increased number of coronavirus cases both in Ireland and England and the consequent uncertainty over travel between the countries. The Grand National winning jockey has been based in England for much of this season primarily riding for Colin Tizzard, whose Dorset yard has not been firing on all cylinders with a number of high-profile disappointments including Gold Cup hope Lostintranslation. Power has ridden 19 winners in the UK this term with 12 of those being for Tizzard, although his biggest success came on the Emmet Mullins-trained The Shunter in the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in November. He has also ridden 11 winners in Ireland this season mainly though his association with owners Robcour and, during his spell based in the UK, returned to ride in Grade 1 races on a couple of occasions at Down Royal and Punchestown. On Twitter he posted the following message: “Due to the increased number of covid 19 cases in Ireland and the UK and the uncertainty over travel restrictions I have decided to stay in Ireland with my family until restrictions ease. “I’ve been in quarantine since the 1st of January and look forward to getting back riding on both sides of the Irish Sea as soon as restrictions allow.” Racing continues to take place behind closed doors both in Ireland and the UK despite greatly increased numbers of Covid-19 positive tests in both jurisdictions.
