Faivoir wins the McCoy Contractors County Hurdle for Dan Skelton

Faivoir wins the McCoy Contractors County Hurdle for Dan Skelton on Cheltenham’s final day, by a head from Pied Piper, with Filey Bay third

  • Faivoir wins the second race of the day as the Cheltenham Festival concludes 
  • Jockey Bridget Andrews led Faivoir to a hurdle win by a head over Pied Piper 
  • Trainer Dan Skelton was there to see the eight-year-old win a tight race at 33/1 
  • Click here for the latest Cheltenham Festival news, schedule and race results

Faivoir has won the McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle by a head for Dan Skelton on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Amid the build-up to the Gold Cup at 3.30, the second race saw a tight field for four minutes, finished by a head-to-head sprint to the finish line. 

Faivoir went off at 33/1 and jockey Bridget Andrews was able to guide the eight-year-old to the finish ahead of second placed Pied Piper (12/1) following a close contest. 

Filey Bay (6/1) was third and Sharjah (10/1) was fourth. 

Pembroke started as 9/2 favourite, according to Paddy Power, ahead of Hunters Yarn and Filey Bay (both 6/1).  

Bridget Andrews on board Faivoir (L) on their way to winning the second race of the day

Cheltenham 2.10 

1 Faivoir (Bridget Andrews) 33-1

2 Pied Piper (D N Russell) 12-1

3 Filey Bay (M P Walsh) 6-1

4 Sharjah (Mr P W Mullins) 10-1

Terence O’Brien’s horse Magnor Glory and Gordon Elliott’s horse Glan were both non-runners, leaving a field of 24 to tackle the eight hurdles. 

The McCoy Contractors County Hurdle was famously the final race of the Cheltenham Festival, but a running order change in 2009 meant it was second on Friday’s card. 

The handicap hurdle is raced over two miles and a furlong at the Gloucestershire track. 

Favourite Lossiemouth won the opening race, the Triumph Hurdle, for Willie Mullins.

More to follow…  

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