David Pipe owner purchases Mullins filly Panic Attack to boost Bumper hopes

David Pipe already had a big hope for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper in the form of third-favourite Israel Champ, but the trainer has strengthened his hand with the arrival of Panic Attack at his yard.

The 8-1 second choice with bookmakers for the Cheltenham Festival race on March 11 has been bought privately after winning her sole start for Willie Mullins.

Pipe believes the four-year-old filly’s pedigree and natural speed suggests she might have a future on the Flat, but the short-term goal remains the Champion Bumper for which only former stablemate Appreciate It is shorter in the betting.

Panic Attack was bought out of Mullins’ stable last week by owner Bryan Drew following an impressive debut in a Listed bumper at Market Rasen last month..

Watch Panic Attack's impressive victory at Market Rasen

Pipe hopes Panic Attack might be another festival winner for Drew, a long-standing owner who had the 2015 Champion Bumper winner Moon Racer and the 2016 Ultima Handicap Chase winner Un Temps Pour Tout in partnership with Caroline Tisdall, as well as this season’s ill-fated Caspian Caviar Gold Cup winner Warthog and plenty of others over the years.
.

David Pipe: has high hopes for Panic AttackCredit: Edward Whitaker

He said: "Panic Attack is a lovely addition to the stable. Bryan spoke to me and told me he was interested in her, and I'd seen the Market Rasen race live and had been impressed with the way she had beaten some decent rivals. She was bought for the festival bumper, so that's the short-term plan, but she's a lovely horse for the longer term.

“She has some filling out to do, but she’s got some size about her. Her breeding is not traditional for a jumper – by Canford Cliffs out of a Galileo mare – and she could go on the Flat at some point. She showed enough speed at Market Rasen, so it’s something we might try.”

Pipe’s fortune is another blow for the still-powerful Mullins festival team as Saldier, Klassical Dream and Douvan were all ruled out of their Cheltenham targets on Friday.

However, the bumper maestro is still well equipped for the Grade 1 which closes the action on day two thanks to 9-4 favourite Appreciate It, while he also has the Cheveley Park-owned 16-1 shot Ferny Hollow.

Read The Lowdown from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com and the Racing Post app for all the day's going updates, news and tips