Pipe comes in from the cold as Delface makes all the running

After enduring a lean spell stretching back almost two months, David Pipe's luck took a turn for the better when Delface, having his first outing for the trainer, made all the running before repelling the attentions of Captain George in the 2m novice hurdle.

A relieved Pipe said: "The losing run has been down to a combination of factors really as some of our horses have not been quite firing on all cylinders and some are badly handicapped - look at the big prices some of ours have started and the bookmakers don't often get it wrong.

"We hoped Delface had a proper chance as he has been gelded since he joined the yard, but had been working well in recent weeks. He is the type we might give another run under a penalty and then weigh up the options - he could carry on over the summer or have a break and come back in the autumn."