Pipe star ready for big test, ground permitting

Only very testing conditions would concern Martin Pipe as Don Fernando gears up to try and maintain his unbeaten record against fellow leading JCB Triumph Hurdle hope Saintsaire at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Don Fernando, who has won both his starts over jumps at Cheltenham, is set to represent Pipe and champion jockey Tony McCoy in the Grade Two Wragge & Co Finesse Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle.

Pipe said: “Don Fernando has won on good and good to soft ground over jumps but very soft ground would be a concern.

“I’ve won the Triumph Hurdle with Baron Blakeney and Kissair. What you need is a genuine, tough and game horse. Don Fernando is certainly that.”