The Racing Life of Leanne Pipe

Before becoming a mother, Leanne Pipe, nee Green, rode as an amateur jockey and looked after Grade 1 and Grade 2 winners. She has a son Jack, 15, and daughters Sophie, 13, and Martha, 9, with husband and top trainer David Pipe, who she married in August 2021.

Leanne with Lough Derg, who won two National Spirit Hurdles

In her own words, Leanne, 45, describes her present roles as a ‘wife, mum and riding out’ and she is a huge part of the success of the Pond House Stables past and present. She has also spoken out about mixing motherhood and racing, and promoted mothers returning to racing on the initiative Racing Home’s podcast.

Originally from Bristol, Leanne now lives in Wellington, Somerset and, alongside her family, has Tandy the pony, Ted the red labrador, Luna the red cocker spaniel and Doug the black labrador-cross-cocker.

Did you have a horsey childhood? When I was six, we moved out of Bristol and I started riding lessons. At twelve, I got a pony called Chrissy, who I fell off every day. At fourteen-years-old, I got April and I loved showjumping her.

Leanne with Lough Derg in 2023

How did you get into racing? I applied for work experience a year early. Martin Pipe said, ‘Thanks but no thanks!!’ I started working weekends and school holidays for Pat Murphy and I rode for him as an amateur while doing my A-levels.

What trainers have you worked for? At Pat Murphy's, I was amateur and then head girl. I went riding out for Lori Lacson in New Zealand and also rode out at David Evans’. For Martin Pipe, I was the vet and physio assistant, and now for David Pipe, I'm his wife and ride out.

What have been your favourite racehorses so far? There are really too many favourites to name. Yet, I’ll say Lough Derg, because he was fun to ride, an all-round legend and was David's first Grade 1 winner. He was a complete Playboy.

What big winners have you led up? Lough Derg in the Long Walk Hurdle and National Spirit Hurdle twice, and Ashkazar in the Imperial Cup.

What’s been your favourite day out of racing? Any day on holiday!

Leanne at Perth Racecourse, with husband David at Royal Ascot in '22 and this summer with

colleagues Castle to Abbey Challenge in North Yorkshire in aid of Racing Welfare

What’s your favourite racecourse? Probably Chester, it's a great day out. Ayr is fun and everyone, from stable staff through to owners and trainers, are well looked after.

What are the best aspects to working in racing? Working in the fresh air and the horses are lovely to be around.

And the worst? The injuries are very upsetting.

Over the years, how has racing changed? Prize money is a huge problem and this has a knock-on effect in every aspect of racing. We need to entice new owners; without them, we don't have our sport.

How do you think the stable staff crisis came about? This has never affected us as we are a standalone yard. We have lots of women who have had children and come back here to work. David is very flexible with their working hours.

What has been your favourite racing celebration to date? JP McManus’ AP McCoy retirement party in Ireland.

Favourite drink: San Miguel or Coke Zero.

Favourite meal: Steak or a salmon salad.

Favourite snack: Haribo.

Favourite music: R&B, hip hop and love songs.

Favourite film: The Holiday.