Pipe diagnosed with incurable disease

Fifteen-time champion trainer Martin Pipe revealed he has an incurable muscle-wasting disease.

The former jumps handler’s deteriorating health has led to him being placed on steroids to curb the effects of the illness.

“I have this muscle wastage problem and it’s quite disturbing,” Pipe told The Guardian.

“One day, not too long ago, I couldn’t walk up the stairs. Even when they got me into bed I couldn’t pull the covers over me.

“I had the same thing about two years ago and we thought that was it then.

“I battled on and, like a lame old horse, the doctors have put me on steroids.”

Pipe, 61, retired from training five months ago on the final day of the National Hunt season.

He is now working beside his son, David, who has assumed control of the family business at Pond House in Nicholashayne, Devon.