The 2016 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Often referred to by fat, ageing, condescending trainers as "the boys race", The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run over a distance of about 2 miles and 4½ furlongs and there are nine hurdles to be jumped. The event was established in 2009 and is named in honour of Martin Pipe, who retired in 2006. During his career Pipe was Champion Trainer 15 times, and his record at the Cheltenham Festival included 34 victories.

Here is a list of previous winners, including Sir Des Champs, who came from a different county to win despite carrying my money . It is fair to say Willie Mullins is not shy of sending decent young horses here, having won it with Sir Des Champs, Don Poli and Killultagh Vic, and the master of Closutton has 12 entered this year. Here's what he said in his pre-festival stable tour with Sporting Life: "Blazer will either go Coral Cup or Martin Pipe. I like him for the Martin Pipe. We have a lot in the Martin Pipe and it's a race that's been good to us. Great Field could be the one if he gets in." Having said that Willie, you haven't entered him for this (he is in the Coral Cup and County Hurdle ). Paul Nicholls has 11 in and he has mentioned Qualando as the one he fancies for this.



Top weight of the 150 entries this year is allotted to John Ferguson's Ittirad off a mark of 148 so if he runs, the bottom of the handicap will be at 122.

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Entries and Weights