Walsh Locks Up Top Jockey and Pipe Tipped for Trainer Nod

Paul Nicholls was the justified betting favourite on the way into this one but David Pipe has vaulted near the head of the trainers leaderboard at Cheltenham after thoroughly stamping his mark on day three.

Heading into the day’s competition, David Pipe was yet to secure a single placed horse but a solid series of results has propelled him to the top of the leaderboard after Gordon Elliott had led for some time.

Paul Nicholls continues to be listed as the favourite by the bookies but Pipe now trades as the 4/1 favourite to win – down from the 33/1 odds he was listed at prior to the day’s first race.

At the close of day three – Gordon Elliott, Paul Nicholls, David Pipe Willie Mullins, Henry de Bromhead and Philip Hobbs boast two winners. The Nicholls gamble appears to be based around Kauto Star’s chances in the Cheltenham Gold Cup – a race that sees Ruby Walsh back in the reigns.

Speaking of Ruby Walsh, the is the odds-on favourite to finish the festival as top jockey – a supremely impressive feat considering that he had only one victory to his credit since returning from a lengthy injury. Tony McCoy’s dominance on day three has vaulted him into second place but he well off the pace with an 8/1 price.