Jezki returns in style at Navan

Jezki got his career back on track following a 21-month absence when making a successful return in the two-mile Race Displays Event Signage Hurdle at Navan.

The Jessica Harrington-trained gelding, sidelined since landing the Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle over three miles at the Punchestown Festival in 2015, travelled well throughout and landed in front with a fine leap at the last.

He was pushed out by Barry Geraghty to beat Renneti by a length and three quarters, with Tombstone a length further adrift in third.

Bookmaker reaction was to slash his odds for the Stayers Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, with Boylesports going 6/1 (from 12/1) and Paddy Power 5/1 (from 10/1).

Boylesports also cut Jezki into 16/1 (from 33/1) for the Champion Hurdle.

Harrington said, “Barry said he took a blow going down the back and just blew up a bit after the second last. He jumped super and you couldn’t ask for anymore.

“We had him kind of ready at Christmas and then he had a setback. Every time you go you are worried that you haven’t done enough or too much or he hasn’t got his spark still. He was very settled there today and was really, really good.

“I’ll have to talk with Frank (Berry) and JP to see where we go next. Most likely he will need another run so he could go for the Red Mills. I think he gets in there with no penalties. I think on soft ground we would be better going two miles and not bottoming him out.

“He could still do a job over two miles but we know he stays three, so we have options. As long as he’s sound in the morning, that’s the main thing.”

Connections were completing a quick double having also taken the opener with Thirsty Work

Last seen on a racecourse 21 months ago, Jezki makes a winning return to the track at @NavanRacecourse under @BarryJGeraghty: pic.twitter.com/ztf9yswUjp

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 21, 2017