Festival honour for Pipe

Trainer's name added to new race

Last updated: 19th January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Pipe: 'A legend'

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Martin Pipe will have a race at the Cheltenham Festival named in his honour.

The most successful National Hunt trainer of all time will have his name added to the inaugural Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle to be run on Gold Cup day this year.

"This is a huge honour," said Pipe, how handed over the reins to son David in 2006. "Cheltenham has always been my favourite course and most of the best moments of my career were there.

"To be celebrated at The Festival alongside the likes of Vincent O'Brien, Fulke Walwyn, Fred Winter and David Nicholson is an amazing accolade, not only for me, but for all of my family and the magnificent team of people who made Pond House tick for 32 years."

Cheltenham's Managing Director, Edward Gillespie, added: "Martin Pipe is, quite simply, a legend. From humble beginnings he re-wrote both the record books and the racehorse training manual.

"I'm delighted that his name will sit alongside other great trainers at The Festival."