Trainer Q&A: 'She asked if I was David Pipe - and if I could sign one of her boobs'

Over the next few weeks we will bring you a series of app-exclusive Q&As with pro punters, trainers and jockeys which will offer unrivalled insight to our sport. This series continues this week with trainers. Today: David Pipe

Who's the best horse you ever trained?

It's probably Well Chief. He had huge talent and was in the golden era of two-mile chasers with Moscow Flyer and Azertyuiop. I had him towards the end of his career after a leg injury, but he came back and fell in the Queen Mother when he was favourite and we were hoping he'd win. I know we didn't win the Tingle Creek, but it was one of the best races ever for me. Dad [Martin] had him, and he ran in that epic against Moscow Flyer and Azertyuiop. He wasn't very big, but he could jump and he obviously had a big engine and will to win.

Who's your favourite horse of all time?

Comply Or Die. I suppose it's a no-brainer and wouldn't expect many others to have a National winner over much else. Winning the National is what everyone dreams of and it happened in my second season. Loads of people say you never take it in as much as you should at the time, but that just makes me want to do it again!

Which horse was the most difficult to train?

I've a long list, but I'm proud of what we did with Ballynagour, who won the Plate at the festival and also a Prix la Barka. He was a bad bleeder and a very stressy horse, but also a very good one – he was second in a couple of Grade 1s as well.

Which winner has given you most satisfaction?

Gaspara wasn't my first big winner, but she was my first at the Cheltenham Festival. She'd won the Imperial Cup at Sandown under AP [McCoy] and then three days later she won the Fred Winter, which was a good effort. That was a great moment.

What's the funniest thing you've seen on a racecourse?

Sean and Josie Tracey were new owners of mine and I met them for the first time at Stratford when we had our first runner for them. I was having a drink with them and there was a hen party going on. One lady asked if I was David Pipe, so I replied I was, and she took her blouse down, revealing one of her boobs. She asked me to autograph it – in front of a rather flabbergasted Sean Tracey!

What's the key to doing your job well?

There are lots of things, but ultimately communication with staff, owners – everyone.

What's the one thing the average punter most misunderstands about racing?

The amount of work that goes into it – and that's just getting the horses to the track when you then need a hell of a lot of luck. They are not machines. Any jumper going for a big race after a summer holiday and two months off will need three or four months to get ready.

Which horse are you most looking forward to running again?

Main Fact is a name people will remember. He won nine on the spin for us, but picked up a leg injury in the 2021 Stayers' Hurdle. It was his second tendon injury, but he's in good form and is doing lots of swimming. He won't run until the ground is bottomless, though.

Can you give us a horse to follow?

Lock Out won at Newton Abbot after landing an Irish point-to-point. He'll stay well and has a good attitude. He's had a break since his last run and has strengthened up. Newton Abbot didn't suit him. He'll appreciate softer ground and a more galloping track, while he'll go further than two miles as well.

Read more trainer Q&As:

Paul Nicholls: 'I felt my head was on the chopping block - he had to win'