Pipe Has High Hopes For Son Of Westerner

David Pipe described Martinhal (6g Westerner - Gweedara, by Saddlers’ Hall) as “a lovely horse” after his charge battled back to land Sunday’s maiden hurdle at Exeter.

Successful in a bumper on his first start for the yard last season, the Lynne Maclennan-owned bay finished fourth on his first two starts over hurdles and had been absent since early November. Strongly supported on return, he was ridden to track the leaders by Tom Scudamore and led narrowly from three out, but was headed after the second last. Running on well to regain the lead on the run-in, he beat the even-money favourite by half a length on the line.

Speaking after the race, Pipe said, “Martinhal is a lovely horse and I had high hopes for him at the beginning of the season. He jumps and gallops and looks one to follow.”

Bred by Mrs A Young, Martinhal was purchased privately after his sole start for Aidan Fitzgerald, who has a five-year-old full-brother to the winner named West End Legend (Westerner).