Named after one of the greatest horse trainers of recent times, Martin Pipe, who has since handed over the licence of the race to David, his son. This competitive event at Cheltenham, has proved to be a stepping stone to greater things in the National Hunt event calendar.
The handicap hurdle takes place in 2018 on 16th March, at 4.50pm GMT. With a distance of 2 miles and 4 and a half furlongs over 14 fences, this Class 2 event is run on the New Course, for horses ages four years and older. Total Prize money stands at £70,000.
This hurdle race for conditional jockeys, was won in 2017 by Champagne Classic (12/1) with jockey JJ Slevin for Gordon Elliot. Second place was awarded to Verni (25/1) and third place Runfordave at (9/1). No jockey or horse has won the race more than once, although trainer Willie Mullins has had three victories with Killultagh Vic in 2015, Don Poli in 2014 and Sir Des Champs in 2011.
As there a large number of horses racing (currently around 141 listed) the winning entrants need to have the speed to maintain a decent position, yes also need to be able to keep going for the whole distance of over 2 miles and 4 and a half furlongs. Flawless Escape is the 2018 favourite to date, ( at 6-1f).
