Well-bred Jett opens his account over fences

Jett brought strong novice form to the table in the Killinan Beginners Chase at Thurles and duly opened his account over fences in the hands of Robbie Power.

The Jessica Harrington-trained gelding filled the runner-up spot behind Yorkhill in a Grade 3 at Leopardstown last season, and was far from disgraced in a hot beginners’ event at Naas earlier this month.

The 2/1 chance asserted approaching the final fence and held a three lengths advantage when 11/10 favourite Montalbano fell at the last.

This enabled him to come home an easy 16 lengths clear of Balbir Du Mathan who set the pace until a slow jump at the third last, while Fire In His Eyes kept on one paced another six lengths adrift in third.

Mrs Harrington said, "He has been promising to do that but he doesn't really like that heavy ground and we'll probably bring him back to two miles.

"I'm delighted with him and the faster they were going the better he went and was jumping really well. I'd like to go to Leopardstown (over Christmas) with him as we've a chance of getting nicer ground.

"He's a big horse and she (dam La Noire) is some mare. Gerard (McGrath, owner/breeder) says he has another foal left from her."

The Flemensfirth gelding is a half-brother to Champion Hurdle winner Jezki as well as other Grade One winners Jered and Jetson.

(TW & AM)