Another Cheltenham victory for Pipe family

It was a case of "normal service resumed" as Cheltenham launched its new season with Martin Pipe and his trainer son David back in the winner's enclosure with 20-1 surprise Mutual Friend.

It was a case of "normal service resumed" today as Cheltenham launched its new season with Martin Pipe and his trainer son David back in the winner's enclosure with 20-1 surprise Mutual Friend.

The grey took the opening race of The Showcase Meeting, the Cheltenham Business Club Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle, by two and a quarter lengths from 100-30 favourite McMurdo Sound in the hands of Johnny Farrelly, though not to the total surprise of the Pipes.