LOCAL trainer David Pipe is continuing to enjoy a good start to the 2023- 24 National Hunt season and at the time of writing has notched up 15 winners, writes Richard Walsh.

Last week Pipe who trains up above Wellington at Nicholashayne notched up two further winners.

Myristica won for the fourth time over hurdles this summer at Stratford under Jack Tudor going off as 13-8 favourite. The Pond House handler followed this up with a winner at Exeter on Friday where Red Happy came in ridden by stable jockey Tudor  at 8-11 favourite.

Red Happy was a very popular winner for members of the David Pipe Racing Club who turned out in numbers to cheer their horse home, making it a day at the races to remember for them.

Pipe also had two runners in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket , one of which Bashful Boy claimed fourth place out of a field of 31going off at 100/1. Bashful Boy was the only British runner to finish in the top six placings. 

On Sunday 29th October Neve Daniel who is a member of the Pond House team is taking part in the Bob Champion Cancer Trust charity race at Wincanton. It is a flat race over 1m2f and she is busy raising money for this very worthwhile charity.

In order to take part Neve needs £2500 in sponsorship and is a little way off her target so she would really welcome any donations to her Just Giving Page which can be found by following the link below. (https://www.justgiving.com/page/neve-daniel-1694267751173)

In addition Pipe is offering a visit to Pond House for four people at a mutually convenient date to support Neve in her challenge.Bids can be sent via email to david@davidpipe.com

The highest bidder will be invited along to the yard and all proceeds will go towards Neve’s fundraising target.

Last month, Pipe Racing staff members Leanne, Gemma, Sara Malone and Jo Supple completed a charity walk just outside of Weymouth.  

It was a gruelling 26.2 mile course with plenty of hills and rough terrain but they still finished with smiles on their faces and it was a great effort.  

The group raised over £2,000 for the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. 

The hospital has been looking after Sara’s dad for the past six weeks as he recovers from pancreatitis, a lung infection and gall stones.  Thankfully he is now out of hospital but the girls just wanted to give something back to the hospital who have been fantastic in looking after Martin.