An exciting day at Ripon with Piper running in the “Celebrating Pipers Note” handicap but it wasn’t to be Pipers day on the far side rail and new horse Reputation won nicely under Barry McHugh on the stands side.

“A competitive srpint in which they split into two groups with the top six in the draw going far side. Unlike the sprints at the previous meeting the winner came from the stand side group. REPUTATION, running without headgear n his stable debut, looked really well and overcame a tardy start to win in good style up the stand side. He doesn’t have any engagements in the near future as he will be interesting with a penalty, but though he has made a bright start for his new trainer he is going to face a fair hike up the ratings after this decisive win.”

Racing Post, 2019

“I decided to take the headgear off and start with a blank canvas with REPUTATION and it worked out well. I hope the handicapper isn’t too hard on him.”

Ruth Carr, 2019

Mark’s Choice running for Cragg Wood Racing in the same colours as Pipers Note bounced back to form under Jimmy, squeezing through a gap about a furlong out to get his head in front in the shadow of the post.

“A competitive 5f handicap though with just 21/2 lengths covering the first five home the form may not be anything specal. MARK’S CHOICE had gained his only previous win over 6f, and he ran as though a return to the trip would suit as it was only in the final strides that he got his head in front. He will be given just a small rise so should remain competitive.”

Racing Post, 2019