DAVID Pipe’s horses are running into form ahead of the Cheltenham Festival and over the last week the Nicholashayne handler has turned out five winners to bring his total so far this season to 65, writes Richard Walsh.

A few weeks ago Pipe tipped Starchitect and Dr Harper as two of his horses with strong chances at Cheltenham so Welly Weekly readers might like to make a note of those names.

Local punters can get into the mood for the Cheltenham Festival when Taunton Racecourse hold their second meeting of the month next Monday, March 14, when the first of the seven races on the card which boasts a very generous £49,000 in prizes goes to post at 2.20pm.

The whole of the card in sponsored by Bathwick Tyres, who are great supporters of racing in the Westcountry and the Taunton management would like to thank them for their continued support.

First to post is the Bathwick Tyres Bath Maiden Hurdle over two miles and half a furlong which is followed at 2.50pm by the Bathwick Tyres Midsomer Norton Handicap Hurdle Race over three miles.

The Bathwick Tyres Yeovil Fillies’ Juvenile Hurdle over two miles and half a furlong is next up at 3.25pm.

The most valuable race on the card, the Bathwick Tyres Handicap Steeple Chase , a Class 3 event, follows half an hour later. Run over three miles four and half furlongs with a cool £13k up for grabs this race is likely to attract a strong entry.

The Bathwick Tyres Taunton Handicap Hurdle at 4.25pm, is another Class 3 event, and run over two miles three furlongs has £10k in prizemoney to be won.

The Bathwick Tyres Bridgwater Handicap Steeple Chase over two miles follows before the day’s action concludes with the Bathwick Tyres Bristol Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race over two miles and half a furlong.

Racegoers are reminded that a courtesy coach service picks up from Taunton Railway Station two hours before the off, returning from the course 30 minutes after the start of the last.

A few spaces still remain for Taunton’s popular Gold Cup and Grand National Lunches on Friday March 18th and Saturday April 9th respectively in the newly refurbished Orchard Restaurant.

The events include a welcome drink, a two course lunch and afternoon tea, coverage of the feature and supporting races an in-house bookmaker plus hosting by Mr Martin Higgs and champion tipster competition.

The cost of each lunch is £30 per person or £50 for the two prestigious occasions. Booking can be made by calling 01823 337172 (option 2) and talking to Troy or Ryan.