Skelton landmark: Martin Pipe believes all-time record of 243 is under threat

Martin Pipe has predicted his record of 243 jumps winners in a season will be broken by Dan Skelton.

The legendary 15-time champion trainer was on Sunday joined by Skelton in what is now an exclusive club of two to have trained 200 British jumps winners in a campaign.

Pipe applauded Skelton's achievement and explained the challenge he faces to maintain such a high level of achievement.

Skelton brought up the landmark in fine styleon Easter Sunday with six winners, featuring four victories at Market Rasen and a double at Plumpton, to follow in Pipe's footsteps in reaching the 200 barrier.

Pipe hit that mark on eight separate occasions from the 1988-89 season to the 2001-02 campaign, including the record of 243 winners in the 1999-2000 season.

Speaking on Monday, Pipe, who retired from training in 2006, said: "It's absolutely brilliant he's done it, well done to Dan. It’s very well planned and great that he had a six-timer. I have sent him my congratulations.

"He hasn't broken my record yet, but he'll break it soon, I’m sure.

"It's really pressured and I know how much hard work goes into it, so I appreciate it.

"It’s very hard to keep winning, and to build the numbers up all the time you need plenty of horses and plenty of ammunition.

"It’s tough, hard work that requires a lot of planning. Running them in the right races is vital, as well as concentrating on the going.

"You also need good staff and good teamwork – you’ve got to have a terrific team to achieve it, they're all important."

The race programme has expanded noticeably since Pipe first hit the milestone, particularly in the summer season when Skelton has typically thrived. The Warwickshire trainer's yard got off to a flying start with 30 winners in May and broke Pipe's record for the earliest century over jumps at Cheltenham in October.

However, Pipe does not feel the increased number of opportunities should diminish from what is a significant achievement by Skelton, who had two winners at the Cheltenham Festival last month including a first Grade 1 success with Roksana in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle.

Dan Skelton celebrates with brother Harry (left) after Cheltenham Festival success with Roksana in the OLBG Mares' HurdleCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"It's all different now," Pipe added. "I don’t know how many runners he’s had compared to how many I had the first time I did it with 208 winners; it's different eras and different times.

"The entry book was different in those days. I used to take the entry book to bed with me and I was working 24 hours a day non-stop, the same as he is."

The hard work this season continues for Skelton, who saddled another winner, So Lonely, at Huntingdon on Monday, until it finishes on Saturday.

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