Pipe's River attracting a cash flood

13 April 2012

Bookmakers are today running scared from a massive gamble on the supposed Martin Pipe-trained 'good thing', Murray River, in Saturday's William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Sandown.

The sponsors yesterday laid bets to take out "returns well into six figures", having opened an early book on the £55,000 event.

They offered a mere 7-2 when offices and phone-lines opened today, while Ladbrokes and the Tote were trading at a tempting 10-1. Their prices were quickly slashed to 5-1 and 6-1 respectively.

Pipe boasts an excellent record in the extended two-mile event, having saddled the winner six times since 1988. But the gamble went astray last year when hotpot Rodock, ridden by Tony McCoy, was beaten by less-fancied stablemate, Copeland.

The Pond House trainer has four entries in this year's renewal, including Valiramix whom Hills deposed from favouritism yesterday amid rumour that McCoy would partner Murray River. As ever, hard information from Pipe himself will not be forthcoming until declaration time on Friday.

Murray River is owned by David Johnson, himself renowned as a big player in the betting ring. But he claimed not to be part of the huge gamble on his horse.

"I wish I was a part of it," he admitted. "I saw 14-1 earlier in the week but I wasn't sure if the horse was running or if Tony would be riding it. I still don't know. The 10lb the horse was raised by the handicapper for his win at Taunton looks extremely high."

But Middleham trainer Micky Hammond, who trained Murray River last season, was keen on his former inmate's chances despite fielding one-time Champion Hurdle hope, Deep Water against him.

"Murray River only ran twice for me but I thought his second to Mirjan was decent and he won well for Martin Pipe the other day. He also handles cut in the ground. My horse went chasing last time out and isn't quite as good as he was. He'll run a decent race on Saturday, but doesn't have the improvement of Murray River in him," he said.

Punters who have taken a rewarding price on Murray River are also gambling on the weather. Further rain could cause problems for Sandown's hurdles track, which is already a mixture of soft and heavy ground.

Pipe's River attracting a cash flood

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