The former champion jumps trainer Martin Pipe has moved to play down reports that he has an incurable muscle-wasting illness. Pipe (61) retired from training five months ago on the final day of the National Hunt season.

He is now working alongside his son, David, who has assumed control of the family business at Pond House in Nicholashayne, Devon.

Pipe's former assistant Chester Barnes said: "We would like it to be known that the media reports regarding Mr Pipe's health have been slightly exaggerated.

"Although he is not 100 per cent fit and is on steroids, he was slightly misunderstood and the state of his health is not quite as serious as has been reported.

"Mr Pipe would like to thank all the well-wishers who have sent messages today, but would like to tell everyone not to worry as he will see you all at the races very soon!"

Fifteen-times champion trainer Pipe was quoted as saying: "I have this muscle wastage problem and it's quite disturbing.

"One day, not too long ago, I couldn't walk up the stairs. Even when they got me into bed I couldn't pull the covers over me.

"I had the same thing about two years ago and we thought that was it then.

"I battled on and, like a lame old horse, the doctors have put me on steroids.

"I say I'm fine but it's not going to get any better."

Pipe not only dominated jump racing during an illustrious career, he single-handedly revolutionised the sport.

The most successful trainer in National Hunt history, he broke every record in the book and set a standard his contemporaries found hard to emulate.

He is the only trainer to have saddled more than 200 winners in a season- a feat he achieved no less than six times - and won virtually every big race in the book.

But despite training nearly 4,000 winners over obstacles, the health and welfare of his horses always remained the number one priority.