Brendan Powell is happy to play down what has been described as the greatest recovery in Aintree history.

He was riding the well-fancied Rhyme 'N' Reason for David Elsworth in the 1988 Grand National when his mount made a mess of Becher's Brook. The horse was down on his nose and stone last of the 33 horses left standing.

If Betfair had existed in those days he would have been any price you like with the in-running boys.

However, not only did Powell keep the partnership intact and give his horse time to get his breath back, but they actually got to the front fully five fences from home.

Despite being headed by Durham Edition after the second-last, the never-say-die attitude of horse and rider won the day as they regained the lead on the run-in.

"It was good. He just made a bad mistake and slipped on landing," said the man from County Kildare.

"By the time he got up the rest had gone. He took his time but he had enough class to get back at them in the end.

"Tom Morgan got unseated off Little Polveir so it left us in front. It worked out well when the other one came past me going to the second-last (Durham Edition).

"I can't believe it was 20 years ago now. It was a good day."

His first ride in the Grand National was less auspicious.

"I rode Glenrue. He had won the Topham the year before with Richard Dunwoody on, but he fell at the first ditch and broke my arm," he recalled.

"My last ride in the race was Young Kenny in 2000. He fell at Valentine's. He was a good horse and won the Becher Chase the following year. He had 12 stone and was travelling well when he fell."

Powell, 47, had almost 700 winners in a 19-year riding career before turning his hand to training in 2000.

Originally based at Morestead Stables near Winchester, he moved to Lambourn in July 2007.

He has yet to have a runner in the National, although he did have an entry this year.

"I've got one, Bosham Hill but he won't get in," he admitted.

He does, however, hold high hopes for Which Pocket in the Topham Trophy over a circuit of the National course.

"He fell in the Grand Sefton in November, but he won after that. He had his first run back the other day and won at Chepstow with top weight. He'd have to have a big chance in the Topham," he continued.

As for the National itself, French raider L'Ami gets his vote.

"Class-wise it's not the hottest race in the world. I'll go for L'Ami each-way. He got round last year and if he takes to it again he looks the type," added Powell.

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