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Sunday 17 November 2013

PIPE SCORES A HOME RUN ONE-TWO

PIPE SCORES A HOME RUN ONE-TWO

West Country trainer David Pipe recorded a one-two in the opening race on the final day of The Open.

The Pipe-trained Home Run pulled off a 40/1 shock in the Mallard Pawnbrokers Conditional Jockeys' Hurdle under Kieron Edgar, while 14/1 stablemate Western Warhorse finished second beaten three lengths, after leading on the final bend.
 
Owner Bill Frewen said of Home Run: "His price tells you he was not expected to win, but on his best bits of form you had to put him in the mix. Of course, at 40/1 it is a surprise, and sadly I did not back him.

"It's very special to lead in a winner at Cheltenham. The last time I had a runner here was four years ago, so to come back as a winner after that break is wonderful.

"Some people regularly wander in here and seem to treat it as a regular occurrence, but for those of us who don't do it very often it is memorable."

Pipe said: "It was a surprise, but he likes soft ground and the step up in trip, and putting blinkers [back] on obviously helped. Earlier in the season he had been on the go a long time as we tried to keep him ahead of the handicapper and perhaps he ran on ground that was too quick.

"We came here for a day out and it's great to have won. A one-two is fantastic."

Edgar, who hails from the Borders and has been with Pipe for three and a half years, said: "I thought the handicapper might just have the measure of him, but the race was run to suit him. They went a good gallop and I was able to sit in behind and ride him for a bit of toe.

"It's just his way to hang a bit on the run-in and today he was hanging right, but that's just him.
"It's great to ride a winner at one of the big tracks and I'm grateful to Mr Pipe and the owner."

WARHORSE A CHASER IN THE MAKING

Trainer David Pipe expressed his delight at the performance of the runner-up, Western Warhorse, after the 14/1 shot finished three lengths behind his stablemate Home Run (40/1) in the Mallard Pawnbrokers And Family Jewellers Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham this afternoon.

The five-year-old travelled strongly under jockey Maurice Linehan at the front of the field but has no answer to the finishing kick of the winner as the field approached the final flight.

"He's run very well," said Pipe.

"He's a very inexperienced horse and is a three-mile chaser in the making. I thought Maurice gave him a great ride and he's one to look forward to."

Trainer Philip Hobbs felt Sausalito Sunrise was a little outpaced at a crucial point in the race before the 9/2 second-favourite stayed on strongly to grab third place up the hill.

"He's got a bit outpaced before staying on strongly - that's a fair assessment of the race," said Hobbs.

"He may get a bit further but that would depend on the ground. I think he'd get three miles on decent ground but on soft ground, I'd imagine he'll stick to this sort of distance. He seems to go well on all sorts of ground."

VIEWS OF THE JOCKEYS ON THE GROUND TODAY

Killian Moore, who partnered Timesishard, said: "Good to soft, a bit dead in places."

Jack Quinlan, rider of The Chazer, commented: "It is riding very dead."

Kieron Edgar, successful on 40/1 chance Home Run, said: "The ground is a bit dead."

Jeremiah McGrath, fourth on the 7/2 favourite Lieutenant Miller, declared: "Good ground, a bit dead."

Ben Poste, who was on Phare Isle, said: "Dead ground."

Michael Byrne, partner of Amok, remarked: "It is good to soft, maybe a bit dead."

1.00pm Mallard Pawnbrokers And Family Jewellers Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle
£12,000 total prize fund. For 4yo+, rated 0-125, 2m 5f. Minimum weight: 10st. Penalties after November 9th, each hurdle won 7lb. Allowances: riders who, prior to November 14th, 2013, have not ridden more than 20 winners under any Rules of Racing 3lb; 10 such winners 5lb; any winner 7lb; riders riding for their own stable allowed, in addition 3lb. Penalty value 1st £7,507.20 2nd £2,217.60 3rd £1,108.80 4th £554.40 5th £277.20 6th £139.20

1) HOME RUN (GER) (Bill Frewen) David Pipe b5-11-01 Kieron Edgar (6) 40/1
2) WESTERN WARHORSE (IRE) (Roger Brookhouse) David Pipe 5-11-12 Maurice Linehan 14/1
3) SAUSALITO SUNRISE (IRE) (Diana Whateley) Philip Hobbs 5-11-01 Michael Nolan (3) 9/2
4) LIEUTENANT MILLER (Henry Ponsonby) Nicky Henderson 7-11-04 Jeremiah McGrath (3) 7/2 Fav
5) PAY THE KING (IRE) (Robin Geffen) Paul Nicholls 6-11-00 Harry Derham (3)
6) KINGSMERE (Joss Hanbury) Henry Daly 8-11-02 Jake Greenall (3)
7) AMOK (IRE) (D Passant) Tim Vaughan t5-10-12 Michael Byrne (3)
8) UNDERTHEBOARDWALK (IRE) (Independent Syndicate) Tony Martin IRE 7-11-04 Shane Shortall (8)
9) TIMESISHARD (IRE) (James Chamberlain) Graham McPherson 6-11-09 Killian Moore (3)
10) BIG CASINO (R Jukes) Nigel Twiston-Davies 7-11-04 Ryan Hatch (8)
11) KING HELISSIO (IRE) (Jane Gerard-Pearse) Neil Mulholland 5-11-02 James Best
12) THE CHAZER (IRE) (Mr & Mrs C Elliott) Richard Lee 8-11-10 Jack Quinlan
13) DELLA SUN (FR) (Arthur Whitehead) Arthur Whitehead 7-11-05 Josh Wall (5)
14) KINGCORA (FR) (Mrs Julian Blackwell) Venetia Williams 5-10-11 Callum Whillans (3)
15) PHARE ISLE (IRE) (Nicholson Family Moore Moore & Kendrick) Ben Case tp8-11-4 Ben Poste
16) COPPER BIRCH (IRE) (Janet Davies) Evan Williams 5-11-06 Adam Wedge (3)
17) BECAUSEWECAN (USA) (D Gilbert, M Lawrence, A Bruce) Brian Ellison 7-10-02 Craig Gallagher (6)
18) COURT IN SESSION (IRE) (The Figjam Partnership) Martin Keighley t8-10-03 Ollie Garner (8)
REF) TOUGHNESS DANON (Paul Frank Barry) Ian Williams 7-10-13 Kielan Woods

19 ran
Non-runners: Seebright (Self Cert - Cast In Box), Angels Hill (Self Cert, Not Eaten Up), Tijori (Vet's Cert - Knocked Joint), Jojabean (Self Cert - Not Eaten Up), Dark Energy (Vet's Cert - Rash)
Distances: 3, 1¼, 5, nk, hd, 8, 1½, ½, 2¼, 5, 1½, 1¼, 3, 1, 3, 11, 10
Breeder: Gestut Ammerland       
Breeding: ch g Motivator - Hold Off (IRE) (Bering)
Tote      Win £46.20        Place £6.60 £2.70 £1.50 £1.70     Exacta £260.60

Winning Trainer: DAVID PIPE Born: February 7, 1973 Based: Pond House, Nicholashayne, Wellington, Somerset Background: David Pipe is the son of 15-times champion jump trainer Martin Pipe. Started out riding in point-to-points in 1992, recording 22 wins, plus two under Rules, including victory aboard Bonanza Boy in the Ludlow Gold Cup. After finishing as a rider, had spells with Michael Dickinson in the US, Criquette Head-Maarek in France and Joey Ramsden in South Africa, before setting up as a point-to-point trainer, handling the likes of Horus, Lord Atterbury and Celestial Gold, who went on to have successful careers under Rules when transferred to his father's yard. Based at Purchas Farm, a mile away from his father's Pond House, he sent out 164 point-to-point winners over six seasons, with Well Armed successful 15 times. Took over the reins at Pond House in Somerset following the retirement of his father on the last day of the 2005/06 jump season - Saturday, April 29. First Trainer's Licence: May 2006 First winner under rules: Standin Obligation in the 'Persimmon Homes Novices' Chase' at Kelso, May 9, 2006 - his first runner under rules Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith's Grand National (2008 Comply Or Die), totesport Bowl (2008 Our Vic, 2009 Madison Du Berlais), John Smith's smithythehorse.com Handicap Hurdle (2011 Battle Group), John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase (2013 Dynaste) Cheltenham Festival Wins (8): Byrne Group Plate (2010 Great Endeavour, 2012 Salut Flo), Pertemps Final (2010 & 2011 Buena Vista), Ryanair Chase (2008 Our Vic), JLT Specialty Chase (2008 An Accordion), Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurde (2007 Gaspara), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase (2011 Junior) Big Race Wins: Champion INH Flat Race (2013 The Liquidator), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2011 Great Endeavour), December Gold Cup (2007 Tamarinbleu), International Hurdle (2007 Osana), Charlie Hall Chase (2006 Our Vic), Dipper Novices' Chase (2010 Seven Is My Number), Eider Chase (2008 Comply Or Die), Game Spirit Chase (2007 Well Chief), Feltham Novices' Chase (2011 Grands Crus, 2012 Dynaste) Haldon Gold Cup (2007 Pablo du Charmil), Hennessy Gold Cup (2008 Madison du Berlais), Holloway's Handicap Hurdle (2008 & 2009 Lough Derg, 2010 Mamlook), Imperial Cup (2007 Gaspara, 2008 Ashkazar), Kingwell Hurdle (2009 Ashkazar), Long Walk Hurdle (2007 Lough Derg), National Spirit Hurdle (2008 & 2009 Lough Derg), Newbury Gold Cup Handicap Chase (2007 Madison du Berlais), Peter Marsh Chase (2010 Our Vic), Victor Chandler Clarence House Chase (2008 Tamarinbleu), bet365 Celebration Chase (2010 I'm So Lucky), Betfair "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle (2010 Grand Crus, 2011 Dynaste), Cleeve Hurdle (2011 Grand Crus), Midlands Grand National (2011 Minella Four Star, 2012 Master Overseer, 2013 Big Occasion) Wins (2006/07-2012/13): 134; 100; 76; 102; 65; 101; 104 Wins This Season: 35

Winning Jockey: Kieron Edgar Born: Borders, Scotland Background: Conditional jockey working for David Pipe. Joined the Pond House team in March, 2010. First Winner: Cool George, Exeter, January 1, 2012 Wins (2011/12-2012/13): 1; 7; Wins This Season: 6


LIQUIDATOR WINDS UP THE WINNER

The Liquidator made every post a winning one when recording a smooth success in the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham this afternoon.

The 6/4 second-favourite made the running and soon had his rivals on the stretch, with even money favourite Sea Lord soon in trouble after some sticky jumping.

There was a slight moment of concern for the winner when he over-jumped the second last and stumbled slightly but jockey Tom Scudamore soon had his mount on an even keel and he sprinted up the hill to record a 15 lengths victory.

"He's obviously a good horse and I'm glad he's shown the speed to win over two miles," said trainer David Pipe.

"It could be that Sea Lord didn't run his race but who knows and I'm sure that time will tell. He's been working well at home and we might stick to two miles for the time being. I'm pleased for Roger (Brookhouse - owner) as he's been good to me over the years and hopefully I've been good to him too.

Scudamore was also pleased with the speed that The Liquidator showed and this victory was the jockey's 50th of the season.

"He was very impressive. I was very happy with him all the way through," said the jockey.

"The thing that really struck me here and particularly at Carlisle the time before was the slickness of his hurdling. He has jumped fantastically all the way through and that makes a jockey's life so much easier when you are gaining lengths and are able to keep coming back on the bridle.

"The only moment's worry he gave me was when he overjumped and stumbled the other side a little bit at the second last but he is so neat and quick on his feet it was more of a worry for me than anybody else. He is a really likeable sort. We always knew he was a good horse when he was placed around here in The Festival bumper and won at Punchestown.

"From the minute we jumped him over hurdles he has been enjoying it. His ears are pricked and he is eyeing up every obstacle. When they enjoy racing like he does and have his class, it is a pleasure.

"I'm not sure whether he'll be good enough to win a Supreme as I've not ridden many good horses in that race but this fellow does remind me of Osana (who finished second in the 2008 Champion Hurdle behind Katchit). He will handle a step up in trip while he has the speed for two miles. We will see what happens. I would not want anybody else to ride him, that is for sure."

SEA LORD SEQUENCE COMES TO AN END

Expect Sea Lord to be racing over a longer trip in future after finishing second in this novices' hurdle sponsored by Sky Bet.

Chasing a seventh straight win, the John Ferguson-trained Sea Lord spent most of the race chasing the pace set by winner The Liquidator, who seemed far happier than his rivals on ground that is good, good to soft in places.

Ferguson said: "Denis [O'Regan] has been saying we should step him up in trip, but his work has always been very impressive at home and we were keen to stay at two miles until we felt we had to go further. There was no point doing so while he was winning.

"The ground would have been tacky enough for him - he was running on good ground during the summer which is probably his ideal.

"He's a brave and genuine horse and a wonderful horse to have around so we are going to have a lot of fun with him. He might have a rest now, but we'll take him home and see how he is. It's not his style to drop out of a race and he stayed on at the finish and looks a happy horse now."

Minellaforleisure was caught near the post by Sea Lord, but on only his second outing over hurdles pleased trainer Alex Hales. He said: "We're delighted. It was a big ask coming here today, and the ground has gone against us, although to be fair the same could probably be said of Sea Lord.

"The winner must be a good horse. Paddy [Brennan] went wide looking for better ground and Minellaforleisure ran a blinder, but we'll just have to make a decision now as to whether to put him away for the spring."

1.35pm Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle
(Grade Two)
£30,000 total prize fund. For 4yo+, 2m 110y. Weights: 11st. Penalties: a winner of a Class 4 hurdle 4lb; of a Class 1 to 3 hurdle 7lb. Allowances: fillies and mares 7lb. Penalty value 1st £17,085.00 2nd £6,411.00 3rd £3,210.00 4th £1,599.00

1) THE LIQUIDATOR (Roger Brookhouse) David Pipe 5-11-04 Tom Scudamore 6/4
2) SEA LORD (IRE) (Bloomfields) John Ferguson 6-11-07 Denis O'Regan Evs fav
3) MINELLAFORLEISURE (IRE) (The Patient Partnership) Alex Hales 5-11-04 Paddy Brennan
4) LAC FONTANA (FR) (Potensis Ltd) Paul Nicholls 4-11-07 Daryl Jacob

4 ran
Distances: 15, ½, 18
Breeder: Ms E White Breeding: b g Overbury (IRE) - Alikat (IRE) (Alhaarth (IRE))
Tote    Win £2.30      Exacta £3.00

Winning Trainer: DAVID PIPE Born: February 7, 1973 Based: Pond House, Nicholashayne, Wellington, Somerset Background: David Pipe is the son of 15-times champion jump trainer Martin Pipe. Started out riding in point-to-points in 1992, recording 22 wins, plus two under Rules, including victory aboard Bonanza Boy in the Ludlow Gold Cup. After finishing as a rider, had spells with Michael Dickinson in the US, Criquette Head-Maarek in France and Joey Ramsden in South Africa, before setting up as a point-to-point trainer, handling the likes of Horus, Lord Atterbury and Celestial Gold, who went on to have successful careers under Rules when transferred to his father's yard. Based at Purchas Farm, a mile away from his father's Pond House, he sent out 164 point-to-point winners over six seasons, with Well Armed successful 15 times. Took over the reins at Pond House in Somerset following the retirement of his father on the last day of the 2005/06 jump season - Saturday, April 29. First Trainer's Licence: May 2006 First winner under rules: Standin Obligation in the 'Persimmon Homes Novices' Chase' at Kelso, May 9, 2006 - his first runner under rules Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith's Grand National (2008 Comply Or Die), totesport Bowl (2008 Our Vic, 2009 Madison Du Berlais), John Smith's smithythehorse.com Handicap Hurdle (2011 Battle Group), John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase (2013 Dynaste) Cheltenham Festival Wins (8): Byrne Group Plate (2010 Great Endeavour, 2012 Salut Flo), Pertemps Final (2010 & 2011 Buena Vista), Ryanair Chase (2008 Our Vic), JLT Specialty Chase (2008 An Accordion), Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurde (2007 Gaspara), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase (2011 Junior) Big Race Wins: Champion INH Flat Race (2013 The Liquidator), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2011 Great Endeavour), December Gold Cup (2007 Tamarinbleu), International Hurdle (2007 Osana), Charlie Hall Chase (2006 Our Vic), Dipper Novices' Chase (2010 Seven Is My Number), Eider Chase (2008 Comply Or Die), Game Spirit Chase (2007 Well Chief), Feltham Novices' Chase (2011 Grands Crus, 2012 Dynaste) Haldon Gold Cup (2007 Pablo du Charmil), Hennessy Gold Cup (2008 Madison du Berlais), Holloway's Handicap Hurdle (2008 & 2009 Lough Derg, 2010 Mamlook), Imperial Cup (2007 Gaspara, 2008 Ashkazar), Kingwell Hurdle (2009 Ashkazar), Long Walk Hurdle (2007 Lough Derg), National Spirit Hurdle (2008 & 2009 Lough Derg), Newbury Gold Cup Handicap Chase (2007 Madison du Berlais), Peter Marsh Chase (2010 Our Vic), Victor Chandler Clarence House Chase (2008 Tamarinbleu), bet365 Celebration Chase (2010 I'm So Lucky), Betfair "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle (2010 Grand Crus, 2011 Dynaste), Cleeve Hurdle (2011 Grand Crus), Midlands Grand National (2011 Minella Four Star, 2012 Master Overseer, 2013 Big Occasion), Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle Trial (Sharp Novices' Hurdle (2013 The Liquidator)) Wins (2006/07-2012/13): 134; 100; 76; 102; 65; 101; 104 Wins This Season: 36

Winning Jockey: Tom Scudamore Born: May 22, 1982 Background: Appointed stable jockey to David Pipe for the 2006/07 season, marking a return to Pond House in Somerset where he began his career as an amateur for Pipe's father Martin, and where his own father Peter Scudamore, was also stable jockey.  Tom comes from an illustrious line of jockeys. His great-grandfather Geoffrey rode winners as an amateur, grandfather Michael was Oxo's pilot when winning the 1959 Grand National and his father was eight-times champion jockey, but never won the John Smith's Grand National. Tom has made a big impression since leaving Cheltenham College after A-levels in 2000. He won the amateur riders' title in the 2000/01 season and also landed the 2001 Flat amateur championship. After 52 unpaid successes, he turned professional in October, 2001, and alongside the backing of Martin Pipe (to whom he was a conditional upon turning professional) he was supported by Nigel Twiston-Davies, to whom his father was formerly assistant. He also rides for his brother Michael, who took over his grandfather's licence in April 2008. Aintree Festival wins: Betfred Bowl (2009 Madison Du Berlais), John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase (2013 Dynaste)  Cheltenham Festival Wins (2): JLT Specialty Chase (2008 An Accordion); Byrne Group Plate (2012 Salut Flo) First Cheltenham Festival Winner: An Accordion, William Hill Trophy, March 11, 2008 First Professional Ride: Naughty Dandy (West Midland Light Kit Selling Handicap Chase, Hereford, Thursday, October 4, 2001 (6th)) First Professional Victory: Belle D'Anjou(ladbrokes.com Free Handicap Hurdle, Chepstow, Saturday, October 6, 2001) - only second ride since joining paid ranks First Professional Double: Belle D'Anjou(ladbrokes.com Free Handicap Hurdle) and Champagne Lil (Caenarvon Castle Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race), Chepstow, Saturday, October 6, 2001 Big Race Wins: Agfa Diamond Chase (2003 Iris Bleu); Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle (2006 Desert Air), Contenders' Hurdle (2006 Royal Shakespeare), Eider Chase (2007 Nil Desperandum), Haldon Gold Cup (2007 Pablo du Charmil), Haydock Park Gold Cup (2007 Heltornic), Hennessy Gold Cup (2008 Madison du Berlais), Holloway's Handicap Hurdle (2008 & 2009 Lough Derg), Levy Board Chase (2009 Madison du Berlais), Long Walk Hurdle (2007 Lough Derg), National Spirit Hurdle (2008 & 2009 Lough Derg), Murphy Group Handicap Chase (2012 The Giant Bolster) Newbury Gold Cup Handicap Chase (2007 Madison du Berlais), Victor Chandler Clarence House Chase (2008 Tamarinbleu), Celebration Chase (2010 I'm So Lucky), Cleeve Hurdle (2011 Grands Crus), Feltham Novices' Chase (2011 Grands Crus), Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle Trial (Sharp Novices' Hurdle (2013 The Liquidator))  Wins (2001/2002-2012/13): 32; 32;27; 47; 35; 59; 51; 62; 73; 63; 65; 85 Wins This Season: 50

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