Pipe's magnificent seven
AS popular as Martin Pipe’s horses were with punters during the former champion trainer’s 15-year reign, rarely did they cross the divide to become national heroes.
David Pipe, in his third year since succeeding his father at Pond House, has nurtured one.
“‘Douglas the Destroyer’ has gone from villain to hero,” said Pipe yesterday showing off his Cheltenham Festival team, led by Lough Derg – ‘Douglas’ whose racing attire of the rogue’s badge - bright red blinkers - hides a heart of gold.
“I can run quicker up our gallop than him (well Pipe jnr has got longer legs) but on the course he just won’t be beat.
“They cheered him as though he’d won when he got beaten in a photo at Ascot,” said Pipe of his indefatigable front-runner. “I’m torn between the World Hurdle, the Coral Cup or even supplementing him for the Champion Hurdle.
“We won two at the Festival last year and I’d like to think this year’s team is at least as strong.”
Madison du Berlais, his first Gold Cup challenger, rivals Lough Derg as a success story.
“I thought last month’s Kempton race was our Gold Cup. Alright there were enough reasons why we beat Denman so easily but we thrashed the rest as well.
“He has a decent each-way chance at Cheltenham.”
As ever there’s the big 'will he won’t he?' with fragile Well Chief – 22 months since he was last seen in public.
“He’s swum more miles than Michael Phelps and I cross fingers every work morning,” said Pipe.
Well Chief is still only ten and alone in the Champion Chase field worthy of mention in the same breath as Master Minded.
Ashkazar, Osana, Torphichen and Masters Of Arts help form a team his father Martin would have been proud of.
GET ALL THE LATEST RACING NEWS HERE