EVERY trainer is looking to make a Power play in this year's Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle. The race, limited to conditional jockeys, has been won by the likes of Felix De Giles, JJ Slevin, Jonjo O'Neill Jr, Sean O'Keeffe and Danny Gilligan, just to name a few.
![[Horse race at Fairyhouse.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/fairyhouse-22-february-2025-great-974097419.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
It's crucial to have a top conditional on board and this year's hot topic is Tiernan Power Roche. The young gun has been making waves in Ireland and has won of four of his last nine rides. That included a win on Great Attitude, who was gambled down from 200-1 to 8s in a quite remarkable sequence.
He's clearly a jockey that trainers trust and he could be the one who gets the plum ride in the £75,000 race. The ante-post favourite for this year's race is Wodhooh for Gordon Elliott, who is 6-6 over hurdles and beat William Hill Hurdle winner Joyeuse and a host of other next-time-out winners.
JP McManus has a host of potential chances including Kopeck De Mee - A French import with a big reputation - McLaurey, who won at the Dublin Racing Festival, and No Ordinary Joe. Roche is yet to have many rides for the big stables, but he has lots of experience to call upon which will be a big plus for any trainer.
