Tobefair, it was a phenomenal effort from horse and jockey.

The nine-year-old gelding, trained by Paul and Debbie Hamer and owned by the 'Down the Quay' syndicate that’s based at the Cresselly Arms pub, put up a magnificent display yesterday to be second in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.

In a thrilling finish the 40-1 outsider was beaten by 'a head' by 4-1 favourite Sire Du Berlais, trained by Gordon Elliott.

Both the horse and jockey Thomas Bellamy went into the race in great condition and in a shrewd move, trainers gave the horse ear plugs during the pre-race build up.

Two years ago, the mass attention on the horse and the noise at Cheltenham seemed to affect his performance as he finished 22nd in the same race.

But this time around, he came in under the radar of the TV crews and interviews, and it seemed to work as he produced a relaxed run before going up a gear in the final stages.

"Tom Bellamy gave him a super ride and saved it for the right moment," said syndicate member Tim Parry.

"And what a finish. He got his nose in front for a few seconds and would have won if any other jockey apart from the legend Barry Geraghty was riding the favourite over the line.

"Tobefair received a great welcome from us and the crowd when he returned to the parade ring.

"It was a great story that was so close to becoming something incredible. The horse had unfinished business from two years ago and he certainly put that right yesterday."

The ITV cameras also interviewed Down the Quay members live straight after the race on what was a momentous day for all involved.