Betfair Official Blog

Smoking hot David deserved better from Pipe Sr

Jack Houghton tells us why he was disappointed not to see David Pipe enjoy his moment in the limelight whilst father Martin had plenty to say about Comply or Die's Grand National win

Did anyone else feel uncomfortable watching an exuberant Martin Pipe in the aftermath of last week's Grand National? Anyone not closely familiar with racing - that is, the majority of the BBC audience - could have easily got the impression it was Pipe Senior, and not his son David, who trained the winner. Such was the way in which he dominated post-race proceedings.

Even Claire Balding noticed how unusual the behaviour, commenting that Martin Pipe was talking more than he ever had as a trainer. A hint, perhaps, that it was time he stopped talking and let his son, the actual trainer, say a few more words. A hint the father did not take on board.

Instead we were treated to Martin's views on the race, the horse, the jockey, the owner and the team at Nicholashayne. He probably would have also given his views on the trainer, but that might have been a little self-indulgent.

Some will think me unfair. Last Saturday was a massive day in the burgeoning career of David Pipe - few people train a National winner in only their second year of operation - and Martin was clearly overcome with familial pride at the achievement. So what if he gabbled on a bit? His son had just done something special and he wanted to tell the world. It's not like it was the first time a parent has been interviewed on television and been a little exuberant over the triumph of their child.

But were these really the ramblings of an overwhelmed parent? To me they felt different. Pride was certainly in evidence, but pride for one's son, or pride for oneself? Ego is perhaps the more accurate word.

Had the post-race interviews been a play, the prompt would have been screaming: "FATHER EXITS STAGE LEFT". But to no avail. This old thespian had no intention of stepping out of the spotlight.

And it wasn't just in the immediate aftermath of the race. In the coverage of Comply Or Die returning home, who was it leading the conquering-hero? David was there, yes. But on the other side? You guessed it, Pops. It turned out he was not finished in speaking to the press about the occasion either, relating how he told everyone he came across to back the horse at 25-1.

Were I ever to achieve anything - unlikely, I know - I would hope my father would stand quietly in the wings. If asked, he might gently talk of his pride before redirecting attention to his son and stepping further away still from the hubbub. Martin Pipe chose not to do this. Instead, it was left to his son - who handled himself impeccably - to demonstrate a poise and good grace obviously learnt elsewhere.

I couldn't help but be reminded of Thatcher's behaviour during the early years of John Major's Premiership. Her time was over, but she was the last to realise it and looked ridiculous as a result. Putin and Medvedev provide a more contemporary example. One is full of respect for his teacher and mentor, the other, so used to pulling the strings, readies themselves as puppet-master.

Perhaps I am being unfair. It will be pointed out that Martin Pipe is officially his son's assistant, so it is therefore natural that he feels so involved in the day to day operation of the yard and its racecourse achievements. But few assistants would receive, or demand, the billing afforded to Martin last Saturday. But then, I suppose, few assistants started their careers as 15-time champion trainer.

It would have been crucial for the Pipe yard to demonstrate some continuity when Martin handed over the reins to his son in 2006. Existing owners would no doubt have been calmed by the thought of an experienced hand - the hand they knew - being on the tiller. So it is understandable that Martin didn't immediately retire to somewhere warm. Now though, with Festival and Grand National winners in the bag for his son, it is time to complete the handover.