Martin Pipe ignored a holiday tip to secure two valuable handicaps at Cheltenham yesterday just hours after returning to Britain from a holiday in the Caribbean. The champion trainer was told by a Bajan punter that it was bad policy to run novices in handicaps.
But Pipe's decision to go against the advice proved the wisest policy as Heros Fatal and Rodock swept to victory. The pair were ridden by Tony McCoy who went on to clinch a 117 to 1 treble when Legal Right romped home in the Food Brokers Handicap Chase.
Rodock, with McCoy honed down to 10 st., overcame his lack of experience to out-point the gallant She's Our Mare, trained by Tony Martin, by three-quarters of a length in the Murphy's Draughtflow Hurdle.
Earlier Heros Fatal, third in the Cesarewitch on his last outing, produced the superior finishing speed to defeat Picket Piece by three-and-a-half lengths in the Ladbroke Casinos Handicap Hurdle.
Punters got their fingers burnt on the 7 to 4 favourite Magic Combination, who was pulled up. Barney Curley's charge was the subject of several big bets, including one of £50,000-£25,000 but was pulled up.
Pipe said: "I've been in the betting shop in Barbados quite a lot and the man told me you shouldn't run novices in handicaps but it's often the only chance you get to run them at a decent weight."
The trainer praised the professionalism of McCoy who went without sustenance yesterday and missed last night's Murphy's function to ensure that he would ride at 10 st. "I didn't expect Tony to get down to the minimum - I expected the horse to be carrying 10-3 or 10-4," said Pipe. "This just goes to show how dedicated he is."
McCoy said: "I couldn't eat anything yesterday as I have to be down to 9 st. - 11 lb. to ride at 10 st., but it's worth it when you have winners like this."
Rodock joined Pipe just a few months ago after being spotted by his owner Chris Batterham in France. He still has a considerable way to go but bookmakers Ladbrokes were impressed enough to quote him at 25 to 1 for the Champion Hurdle.
They are perhaps taking into account that Pipe's Make A Stand was beaten in this race before winning several handicaps on the way to a famous victory in the hurdle championship. But Pipe said: "I'm certainly not thinking about the Champion Hurdle just yet - he was only carrying 10 st. here - lets see how he gets on in handicaps first."
The Paul Nicholls-trained Fadalko put on a super display in the Greyhounds As Pets November Novices' Chase. His jumping technique was impeccable though the winning margin of 15 lengths may have flattered him slightly as the runner-up Toto Toscato made a mess of the third from home. Fadalko is now the 7 to 1 favourite (from 9s) with Coral for the Arkle Challenge Trophy next March.
