DAVID Powell, consummate horseman, passed away peacefully last Sunday after a long illness, robbing the French racing and breeding empire of a revered and respected friend. He was 73.

Born in Argentina to an American diplomat father and a German mother, David went to school at the age of 10 in Paris and spent his teenage years in Germany, during which time he forged a lifetime friendship with André Fabre. After studying in New York, he relocated to France in the 1970s and purchased Haras du Lieu des Champs near Lisieux in 1980.

He built up a select clientele, many English, but primarily became European racing manager for the late Magalen Bryant who was a leading owner over jumps for two decades. David also bred Pennekamp for her, winner of the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes and the classic 2000 Guineas.

David sourced many great horses for David Minton and Anthony Bromley of Highflyer Bloodstock, including Big Bucks, Kauto Star, Master Minded, Long Run and Neptune Collonges. He and his great friend John Walsh, who described David as “extraordinary”, bought many great flat horses.

Nicky Henderson regularly sent him horses with problems his own veterinary surgeons could not sort out, and to avail of his genius. He was an encyclopaedia on herbal remedies, fluent in four languages, and he wrote several acclaimed articles for publications worldwide.

David is survived by his beloved wife Elisabeth, sons Freddy who is executive director of Arqana, Richard at Haras du Lieu des Champs, and Leonard Powell and Arnaud Delacour, both Grade 1 winning trainers in the USA.

Unassuming and understated, genial and gentle, David was a true great who will be universally missed throughout the bloodstock world. May he rest in peace. ALTM

IT was with great sadness that I learnt from Tim Preston of David’s passing. I held David in the highest regard, as a person and as a bloodstock consultant, and as a valued friend over the many years of our acquaintance.

He possessed a worldwide knowledge of the thoroughbred, and an ongoing passion to further his knowledge and understanding of them. David’s integrity and trustworthiness were just two of his many outstanding qualities, as well as his focus to act in the best interests of his clients and their horses.

It was always a pleasure to meet him, and indeed to work with him. Among the many purchases we made together were the Group 1 winners No Pass No Sale (Poule d’Essai des Poulains-French 2000 Guineas), Fast Topaze (Poule d’Essai des Poulains and Prix Lupin), Crystal Glitters (Prix d’Ispahan) and Kotashaan, winner of the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf and Horse of the Year in the USA.

As proud as he was of developing Lieu des Champs, it was very much overshadowed by the glowing pride David had in his children, and their successes in the world of the thoroughbred. My few words do not do justice to him. I shall cherish his memory with affection, and count my blessings that I had David as a friend. His was a life well lived. JW