Three-time Aga Khan winner Captain Con Power dies aged 71

A talented horseman, Power was part of the renowned three-in-a-row team in the late 70s. 

RIP: Showjumping star Con Power at the RDS. Pic: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE

One of Irish showjumping's greats, Captain Con Power, has died at the age of 71.

Recognised as one of the most talened riders of his generation, Power was a member of the famous Aga Khan three-in-a-row winning Irish team which from dominated from 1977 to '79. 

He made up the star foursome along with James Kernan, Eddie Macken and the late Paul Darragh. 

Power was the only member of that team to ride three different Irish-bred horses - Coolronan  in 1977, Castlepark (1978) and Rockbarton (1979).

He was first selected on an Aga Khan team at the Dublin Horse Show was in 1976, riding the mare Mullacrew.

Irish Horse Board Chairman Tiernan Gill, paid tribute to Power who hailed originally from Wexford, before making his home in Meath. 

"Captain Con Power really was one of Ireland's true horsemen," he said, "with sporting achievements in so many different aspects of the industry, coaching, racing, eventing and showjumping.

"To be part of the famous three-in-a-row Aga Khan winning team on three different Irish-bred horses, demonstrates the phenomenal talent that he had with different types of horses. Winning a puissance competition before riding on a winning Nations Cup team at the same show, on the same horse, is a something that will probably never be repeated.

"Our deepest condolences to the Power family and all of Con’s many friends around Ireland and internationally. He will be sadly missed by all and his legacy will live on."

Power's son Robbie was one of Ireland's greatest National Hunt jockeys, winning the 2007 Aintree Grand National with Silver Birch as well as the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Sizing John a decade later. 

Capt Power's daughter Elizabeth Power, meanwhile, earned huge success in eventing and showjumping, winning at the Dublin Horse Show in 2019.