Racing: Martin Pipe gained another significant success to stretch his lead in the trainers' championship when Seebald landed the Faucetts For Mira Showers Silver Trophy at Cheltenham yesterday.

Since his triumph with Tiutchev at Aintree, Pipe has gradually turned the screw on his big rival Paul Nicholls and this half-length success for Seebald over Tikram will be seen as a major step towards a 14th title for the reigning champion.

Tony McCoy had to survive one bad jump on the 13 to 2 winner, who was never going to be denied up the hill even though Tikram made him fight for the first prize of £29,000.

Afterwards Pipe enthused: "At last we've got him in front. He did make that one mistake just when he was coming into the race, but ultimately the extensive schooling we've done with him since he ran at Aintree has paid off."

Pipe will run at least three in Saturday's Scottish Grand National, including last year's runner-up Stormez.