Brick Blow For Pipe

The David Pipe stable was dealt a major blow when Little Brick, one of the best-backed horses for the John Smith's Grand National, fractured a shoulder in the William Hill Trophy and had to be destroyed.

The French-bred gelding stated his case for Aintree with a defeat of My Will at Wincanton, but met his fate at an early stage of the fourth contest on the opening day.

First-season trainer Pipe said: 'Little Brick was a cracking prospect and his loss is a massive blow to the stable. It just goes to show how Cheltenham can tame lions and our thoughts go out to his owners.'

Pipe's loss was slightly cushioned by the success of Gaspara in the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, which was a Cheltenham Festival first for the in-form handler.

(C) PA Sport