Martin Pipe gained another significant success to stretch his lead in the trainers’ championship when Seebald landed the Faucetts For Mira Showers Silver Trophy at Cheltenham today.

Champion jockey Tony McCoy’s observation after he had virtually lifted Control Man over the line in the European Breeders Fund ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle Qualifier at Fontwell today said it all.

Mick Fitzgerald left Kempton Park on Wednesday on the brink of joining an elite band of jump jockeys.