Faivoir gets the nod to give Skelton another County Hurdle
Dan Skelton annexed the McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle for a fourth time in eight years as 33-1 shot Faivoir downed Pied Piper in a thrilling finish.
Both horses came from out of the pack after Highway One O Two had kicked clear turning for home and there were plenty in with chances approaching the last.
However, Bridget Andrews’ mount, who had been pulled up on quicker ground in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on his previous start, kept responding in these easier conditions and got the verdict in a head-bobber.
Pied Piper, who had finished third in the Triumph Hurdle last year, was making his handicap debut mark off a mark of 154 and only just failed to reel in the winner, having nodded slightly on landing at the last.
The well-supported Filey Bay held every chance but could only finish third, while Sharjah stuck on for fourth, followed by Ballyadam.
Skelton, who won this race previously with Superb Story (2016), Mohaayed (2018) and Ch’tibello (2019), also saddled the favourite, but Pembroke, who had finished runner-up on Trials day in January, was well held after making a couple of minor jumping errors.
“Last time at Newbury he absolutely winged the first but after the second he had no chance,” said Skelton, who was on the mark with Langer Dan on Wednesday.
“Today Bridget gave him a great ride – when you have one of the biggest teams as we do there’s a responsibility that goes with it and you feel you have get big winners.
“To have one (at the Festival) is good, but to have two shows you are doing it right.”
Iroko landed the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle for Aidan Kelly and co-trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.
💚💛 Iroko – he provides owner JP McManus with a quickfire double & also gives trainers Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero their first #CheltenhamFestival success
👏 Nice ride Aidan Kelly pic.twitter.com/zPmErT2YPS
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 17, 2023
The JP McManus-owned gelding was a 6-1 chance and reeled in the leader, Paul John Gilligan’s Buddy One, to prevail by a length and a half from No Ordinary Joe – also owned by McManus.
“I can’t describe it really – amazing,” said Greenall.
“We always knew the horse was nice but we just thought we’d be tapped for toe a little bit here.
“He managed to hold his position, he came off the bridle early enough and just jumped so well even when he was off the bridle.
“He’s so easy, so straightforward. He’s tough, honest, he shows nothing at home.
“He’s not a good work horse but he’s so straightforward, he doesn’t take much work. He’s a dream.”
