 | Date of birth: 29 May 1945 Started training: 1977 Base: Nicholashayne, Somerset 2002-2003 wins: 190 2001-2002 wins: 235 2000-2001 wins: 162 1999-2000 wins: 225 Stable stars: Cyfor Malta, Seebald, It Takes Time |
Pipe has dominated National Hunt racing for the past 15 years to the extent that being his stable jockey is almost synonymous with being champion jockey. Peter Scudamore, Richard Dunwoody and now Tony McCoy have been the main rider at Pipe's Pond House yard and have reaped the rewards accordingly.
The son of a bookmaker, Pipe was an amateur rider until breaking his thigh in 1972.
In 1977 he took out a trainer's licence, although he did not become champion trainer until 1989, when he had 208 winners, almost double the previous record.
Since then no trainer has had more winners each season than him and he has missed out on the title (which is calculated by prize money) just twice.
Pipe brought a revolutionary approach to training which has paid off in spades.
His method is a scientific one, with blood tests and relentless fitness training an integral part of his horses' regime - and his ability to place a horse in the right race is second to none.
Pipe's successes tend to come at the more unfashionable tracks but he has enjoyed his share of big race wins.
His biggest win came in the 1994 Grand National with the Freddie Starr-owned Miinnehoma and he has also won the Champion Hurdle twice - with Make A Stand and Granville Again.
He is one of the few jumps trainers to have enjoyed success on the Flat, landing several races at Royal Ascot as well as the Northumberland Plate and the Doncaster Cup.
He was awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours list in 2000.
Pipe's son David, who also has a small yard near Pond House, acts as assistant-trainer to his father.
MMIX
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