Jezki back with a bang

Jessica Harrington's handling of Jezki has brought great riches for the Milan gelding in the past. She might have achieved her most impressive feat with the nine-year-old though after his win in the Grade 3 Istabraq Hurdle at Tipperary.

There wouldn't be many giving much for his future when he trailed in last of the five when a hot favourite for a conditions hurdle at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.

Completing a double on the day for Jessica Harrington, after her win in the opener with Whirling Dervish Jezki was re-invigorated here on his first outing for 167 days.

Under Mark Walsh, the 6/1 shot quickened smartly from before the last to defeat Coquin Mans by four lengths.

J P McManus owns Jezki, and his number one rider, Barry Geraghty, partnered Jer's Girl (9/4 favourite). She could manage no better than fourth.

Mrs Harrington said on the former Champion Hurdler: "That was fantastic and great to come here early in the year and see how he was. He just seems to have got back his old spark. He never really got it back last year, I don't know why, but he has had a good summer and seems well in himself.

"He did it hands and heels there and he surprised me as I thought he'd blow up. He has class and class won it for him at the end of the day.

"I have absolutely no plan - I have no idea and I'll enjoy today. He's a great horse and to get him back like that is amazing. 

"Things never went right last year and in a way I was under pressure too and he was under pressure to get back, having missed a whole year. People probably thought 'that's it, retire him' after his last run last year but we didn't and he's a smashing horse and a pleasure to have around the place."

(TW & EM)