'A great day' - difficult season for David Pipe boosted by an afternoon treble

Thursday: Taunton

David Pipe enjoyed a day to remember when he fired in a treble across two cards, headlined by Red Happy landing the 2m2f handicap chase.

Kolisi kick-started his three winners when winning the 2m½f handicap hurdle under Tom Scudamore, who registered a third straight win in the saddle.

Red Happy completed the double for the trainer at Taunton just five minutes before Abaya Du Mathan justified favouritism at Ffos Las.

"It was a great day," said the Somerset handler. "We expected Kolisi to win and the other two had chances, but they had good rides from Philip Armson and Fergus Gillard.

"It has been a difficult season and it’s great they’re all running well and I think the horses are appreciating the dry ground at the moment. Hopefully we can continue and have a good summer."

More success for Diligent

Diligent recorded a seventh win on his 11th start for trainer Nigel Hawke when making all the running in the 2m½f novices hurdle on his return from a 182-day break.

The nine-year-old has not featured since his second in a novice hurdle at Exeter in October, but showed his true form by finishing 18 lengths clear of runner-up Gold In Doha.

Results, replays and analysis

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