Tag Archive for: County Hurdle

Faivoir gets the nod to give Skelton another County Hurdle

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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.

Andrews after her winning ride
Andrews after her winning ride (David Davies/PA)

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.

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.”



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Aucunrisque to stick to hurdles at Cheltenham

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Chris Gordon’s Aucunrisque will run in the McCoy Contractors County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in preference to the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase.

Although winner of the Betfair Hurdle over the smaller obstacles at Newbury last month, the seven-year-old has proven a more than capable operator over fences in his novice chase season.

He was set to return to the larger obstacles on the second day of the Festival where he was disputing favouritism for the two-mile Grand Annual.

However, a less than perfect schooling session means Aucunrisque will now have to wait until the final day of the Prestbury Park showcase for a taste of the action, where he will attempt to confirm Betfair Hurdle form with Emmet Mullins’ Newbury runner-up Filey Bay.

“He’ll go to the County Hurdle,” said Gordon.

“We had a schooling session and it just didn’t quite go as planned and you can’t miss a beat in the Grand Annual. We’re going to go the safe man’s route and go to the County Hurdle instead.

“He’s in good order and the favourite is a horse we beat last time. We went up 9lb, he went up 8lb, so fingers crossed for a good run. He’s been a wonderful horse, he owes us nothing, the only thing I don’t want is the rain – that’s my only issue. Good ground would be ideal for us with Aucunrisque.

Newbury Races – Saturday February 11th
Aucunrisque ridden by Nick Scholfield (centre) before going on to win the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (Tim Goode/PA)

Gordon is set to be double-handed in the County Hurdle as Aucunrisque will be joined in the line-up by stablemate Highway One O Two, who will miss the Imperial Cup on account of the testing conditions forecast for Sandown.

“He was going to go for the Imperial Cup but sadly the ground has completely gone at Sandown so we won’t be going there and he will be going for the County Hurdle as well,” continued the Winchester-based handler.

“He’s 143 and sadly they didn’t drop him a pound for his Betfair Hurdle run which would have been ideal, but the plan is to go there with two horses.”



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