LOCAL trainer David Pipe celebrated the first day of the Cheltenham Festival with a victory in the Ultima Handicap Chase for Un Temps Pour Tout.

Ridden by Tom Scudamore the 9 year old beat the 5/1 the favourite, Singlefarmpayment, in a thrilling photo finish despite being nearly a stone heavier. 15/2 shot Noble Endeavour was placed third.

Jockey Tom Scudamore believes Un Temps Pour Tout could one day become a future Grand National contender. He said: “Some days he just doesn’t fancy it but he’s already a French Champion Hurdle winner so you know there’s class there.

“He loves the hill at Cheltenham. He just becomes a different horse in the Spring. I knew halfway up the run-in we were going to get it.”

This was the second consecutive victory in this race for Un Temps Pour Tout and he becomes only the third horse to claim back-to-back wins in the Ultima.