Teenager Gillard set for ride of his life on win machine Main Fact in Long Walk

David Pipe is hoping for another glorious chapter in bargain buy Main Fact's fairytale season on Saturday, when 18-year-old jockey Fergus Gillard is in line for the biggest ride of his life in the Grade 1 Porsche Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.

Purchased by Pipe for just £6,000 in May 2018, Main Fact finished third on his yard debut at Exeter a year ago but has won nine races in a row since, six of them over jumps.

The remarkable seven-year-old provided Gillard – the son of Dorset trainer Mark – with his biggest win in the £90,000 Betfair Exchange Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock four weeks ago, prompting Pipe to pitch Main Fact into Grade 1 company this weekend and offer Gillard a first crack at the top level. It is an opportunity the youngster is relishing.