Hatton's Grace goes to odds-on Jezki

Jezki justified odds of 4/6 in the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse but it wasn't always easy viewing for his connections and backers.

Reportedly the first four-year-old to contest this race in eleven years, Diakali himself a dual Grade 1 victor, went off in front, clear, making the two and a half miler a stern test.

However Tony McCoy got Jezki into a challenging position in the straight. His hurdling didn't convince at the two flights in the straight, going left, but he found plenty on the run-in when required to defeat Zaidpour by a length and three parts with half a length back to the fellow Willie Mullins runner, the aforementioned Diakali.

The principals left the Gigginstown House Stud-owned pair Rule The World and Dedigout thirteen lengths and six lengths further behind.

Jessica Harrington of course has care of Jezki for J P McManus and she reflected: "The horse (Diakali) going off miles in front wasn't good for the nerves but he made up the ground easy.

"He was looking around at the last and made a nonsense of it. I don't think he had to hit him – maybe a slap down the shoulder – and AP was very pleased with him.

"That proved he gets two and a half miles and that was the main thing.

"He'd be better in a fast run two miler.

"He's a lot more relaxed and he dropped the bridle and travelled nice and relaxed today which also helped him get the trip.

"He's definitely better left-handed and I think we'll keep him to two miles now.

"They've got My Tent Or Yours (the McManus team) over there (with Nicky Henderson) so I'd suppose it will all end up what they want to do with him.

"We'll take it one step at a time with him and let the dust settle before we make a plan.

"He was paying no attention over the last two and AP said he pricked his ears ten strides before the last.

"He had plenty left and he only had to shake the reins at him."

For his part McCoy (victorious in this contest in the past on Brave Inca) stated: "It was a case of getting him over the last in some shape or fashion and when I gave him a squeeze he picked up again – it was a good performance, very professional. He's a smart horse.

"They went a nice gallop and I had Ruby Walsh and Davy Russell in front of me but they weren't riding four to six shots.

"You have to ride your own race – if they were riding a 4/6 shot they'd be doing what suited them so you just have to do what you think is right at the time.

"Like My Tent Or Yours yesterday – good novices from last year – they all have to improve to beat Hurricane Fly.

"He'd won three Grade 1s before today so he's a very talented horse." (GC & EM)