Jezki keeps his unbeaten record over hurdles
Making it four from four over hurdles, Jezki won the Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle, held at Leopardstown on Thursday, December 27th. The Mrs John Harrington-trained Kept his unbeaten record intact in this sphere, by putting
up a striking performance.
Showing total respect, the bookmakers gave him the highest price of 11 to 8. Living up to his high reputation, he chased the leaders brilliantly early on. Under Robbie Power, the favourite runner was not fluent at the fourth hurdle, and stayed at the fourth
place halfway.
Slightly pumping up his speed, he went third 3 out. After all the hard work in the middle stages, the 4-year-old needed a strong finish. The son of Milan rose to the occasion and, with the help of a late surge, he managed to lead well before the last hurdle.
Things looked very easy, after he got his head in front. Making no mistake whatsoever, the bay gelding stretched his advantage, and eventually claimed the victory by half a dozen lengths. Following a comprehensive victory, the bookies have cut him down to
6-1 (from 10) for the William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Jessica Harrigton said: "Robert said that they went so quick that he was almost off the bridle until they got halfway down the back and when he came on the bridle he didn't have to move a muscle on him, even taking a pull going to the last.”
"For that ground they went very quick and I'm delighted with that. We'll either go straight to Cheltenham or come back here for the Deloitte Novice Hurdle in February."
Waaheb was second on the chart. Under A. P. McCoy, the 3-1 chance held up towards the rear. D. K. Weld’s charge made good progress to make himself prominent, but a bad mistake a couple of hurdles before the wire hurt his cause badly. As a result, he completely
failed to challenge the winner.
The third position went to Bright New Dawn. After tracking the leaders, the Davy Russell-ridden took keen hold, and went third halfway. In the hands of the experienced jockey, D. T. Hughes’ trainee was second at one stage, but he failed to stay there until
the end.
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