Might and Power was a free-running stayer that was a favourite amongst the Australian public.
Because of his ability to stride out in front and kick strongly in the run to the line, Might and Power captured the hearts of many due to his toughness and willingness to win.
A seven-time Group 1 winner, Might and Power left a legacy until he sadly passed in April 2020.
It’s tough to find a runner as gritty and determined as Might and Power.
Might and Power’s Record
The career of Might and Power started in 1996 when he finished fourth at Canterbury. He won at his third start at Randwick, which came over 1400m.
Two second placings followed to start his three-year-old season before winning back-to-back races over 1990m. It was clear that Might and Power was a stayer in the making.
His first attempt at a Group 1 came in the Canterbury Guineas where he finished second behind Intergaze. He then finished seventh in the Rosehill Guineas and fourth in the Australian Derby.
As a four-year-old, Might and Power really came of age. He was set for the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, and he duly won them both. He carried 52.5kg to victory at Caulfield before beating Doriemus in the 1997 Melbourne Cup.
His all-the-way win was a sight to behold and it showed his toughness under the spotlight.
He showed his versatility when winning four consecutive races in the autumn of 1998. He scored wins over distances of 2400m, 2000m, 1800m and 2020m. It’s not easy for a stayer to go up and down in distance, so it’s credit to his ability.
Might and Power scored four wins from six starts in the spring of 1998, including the Cox Plate and Yalumba Stakes. He didn’t race as a six-year-old after bowing a tendon in training; it was a big blow to the Cups ambitions of connections.
He returned to run 11th in the Tramway Stakes and 15th in the Shannon Stakes, but it was clear he hadn’t come back from the injury.
Might and Power was subsequently retired with 15 races wins and seven Group 1 victories.
What made Might and Power so good?
Much like Sunline, who came after Might and Power, he was able to sit on the pace and cut out good sectionals. He was able to find a sprint at the end of his race, which made him very hard to catch.
Horses that can sit on the speed and kick around the turn have great success in Australia. It takes bad luck out of the equation, but only a select few horses have been able to do it.
He was a tough thoroughbred that didn’t give in. It’s a credit to his training team who presented Might and Power in excellent condition every time he went to the races.
Trainer Jack Denham did a good job managing his champion gelding and jockey Jimmy Cassidy had a great association with the son of Zabeel.
Breeding also went a long way to his success. Zabeel was in the height of his breeding career and he was a blue-blooded stayer.
Might and Power’s Achievements and Statistics
Might and Power lined up in 14 Group 1 races and won 50% of them. His seven Group 1 victories all came over staying distances, including the 1997 Melbourne Cup.
He was awarded World Champion Stayer in 1997 and he won the Australian Horse of the Year twice in 1998 and 1999.
Because he was bred in New Zealand, Might and Power was inducted into both the New Zealand and Australian Racing Hall of Fame.
He sadly passed away in 2020 and was remembered by all throughout the industry.
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Might and Power Statistics
Race record: 15 wins from 33 starts
Career earnings: $5,226,286
Group 1 wins: 7
Breeding: Zabeel x. Benediction
Trainer: Jack Denham
Jockey: Jimmy Cassidy
Breeders: Windsor Park Stud
Owners: Nick Moraitis
Silks: Silver and pink
Years active: 1996-2000
