Racing: Pipe hungry for second national win
Martin Pipe, who saddles eight runners in tomorrow’s Martell Grand National, today told why he is so keen to win the big race for a second time, having scored with Miinnehoma in 1994.
As well as leading hope Blowing Wind, the 11-times champion trainer is also set to run Majed, You’re Agoodun, Royal Predica, Manx Magic, Gun’N Roses II, Iris Bleu and Carryonharry in tomorrow’s Aintree marathon.
Some have questioned whether one trainer should be allowed so many contenders, but Pipe said today: ‘‘The Martell Grand National is the greatest race in the world, and every trainer, owner and jockey wants to win it. That’s why we doing our best to do so.’’
Pipe continued: ‘‘All the intended runners have schooled over our specially constructed Grand National style fences - the obstacles are quite large, but nonetheless inviting for the horses to jump earlier in the week, and they have galloped this morning.
‘‘We are pleased with their preparation for Saturday, and are very excited about the big race.’’
