CHELTENHAM, England -- Champion jockey Tony McCoy drove Edredon Bleu to a photo-finish victory in the $296,000 Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday.

Having led all the way in the 2-mile race, one of the features in the prestigious three-day meet, 7-2 second favorite Edredon Bleu was joined by 5-1 shot Direct Route in the charge up the steep finish straight. Flagship Uberalles, the 11-10 favorite, faded.

Norman Williamson's Direct Route appeared the faster finisher, but McCoy responded on Edredon Bleu and the 8-year-old gelding won by a nose.

The 99-year-old Queen Mother Elizabeth was at Cheltenham to present the prizes to the winning owner, trainer and jockey.