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Teenager Gillard set for ride of his life on win machine Main Fact in Long Walk

MAIN FACT and Fergus Gilliard win at HAYDOCK PARK 21/11/20Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723
Fergus Gillard: young rider might have more to smile about on SaturdayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

David Pipe is hoping for another glorious chapter in bargain buy Main Fact's fairytale season on Saturday, when 18-year-old jockey Fergus Gillard is in line for the biggest ride of his life in the Grade 1 Porsche Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.

Purchased by Pipe for just £6,000 in May 2018, Main Fact finished third on his yard debut at Exeter a year ago but has won nine races in a row since, six of them over jumps.

The remarkable seven-year-old provided Gillard – the son of Dorset trainer Mark – with his biggest win in the £90,000 Betfair Exchange Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock four weeks ago, prompting Pipe to pitch Main Fact into Grade 1 company this weekend and offer Gillard a first crack at the top level. It is an opportunity the youngster is relishing.

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Lambourn correspondent

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