Pipe First Marks New Era

David Pipe was able to celebrate his first day as the master of Pond House Stables in the best possible fashion with an across-the-card treble yesterday.

Pipe only received his licence following a visit to the Horseracing Regulatory Authority 24 hours earlier and wasted no time finding the winner's enclosure when hitting the target with his first runner, Standin Obligation in the Persimmon Homes Novices' Chase at Kelso.

Running in the colours of David Johnson, the 1-6 favourite made all under Timmy Murphy and cruised home hard on the bridle ahead of his two rivals.

Pipe has taken over the reins at Nicholashayne following the retirement of his father, 15-times champion trainer Martin.

'It was a relief to get the first winner,' he said.

'I had been busy all day and hadn't had time to think about it too much, but I sat down half an hour before the race and it is the worst thing I could have done.

'He was a long odds-on shot and should have won like he did but it is always nice to see them do it.

'Dad is on holiday but has been on the phone a few times, as has David Johnson, and they are over the moon,' he told At The Races.

Pipe completed a short-priced double at the Scottish venue when the Tom Scudamore-ridden Wee Dinns (11-8 favourite) took the John Smith's Handicap Hurdle.

And the day was rounded off when Papillon De Iena obliged in the Farmers Friend of Exeter Handicap Chase under Tony McCoy on the Devon track's evening card.

? PA Sport