Racing: Pipe dream vanishes

Martin Pipe's attempt to go through Taunton's seven-race card yesterday fell at the first hurdle. The champion trainer, who sponsored the card, still managed a 363-1 four-timer of through Indian Jockey, D'Naan, Banntown Bill and Maid Equal.

Pipe saddled three candidates for the opening novices' hurdle, with Break The Rules faring best in finishing second to Easy Listening. "I'm not deflated," Pipe said. "It was an impossible task, but it's an ambition of mine to go through the card one day and we'll try again."

Just three horses, Sound Man, Big Matt and Strong Promise, have been entered to take on One Man in the Comet Chase at Ascot on Wednesday. Mark Johnston's Celestial Key (Darryll Holland) runs in the Christoffel- Bau Trophy at St Moritz tomorrow, a nine furlong flat race on a frozen lake which has attracted 15 runners.