Jezki (left) is pushed out by Barry Geraghty to see off Lieutenant Colonel and Jack Kennedy© Photo Healy Racing
Jezki recorded his sixteenth career success, as he took the opener at Leopardstown this afternoon, the Leopardstown Classic Trials Day April 14th Hurdle.
The eight time Grade 1 winner was sent off the 11/10 favourite (from 9/10) for this two mile two furlong contest, and he was settled in third by Barry Geraghty.
He was caught behind a wall of horses on the entrance to the straight, but was soon angled to the outer to challenge.
A mistake at the last briefly stopped his momentum, but he was soon shaken-up, and got to the front inside the final 150 yards, keeping on well from there to score by two lengths.
Lieutenant Colonel (8s to 6s) filled the runner-up spot under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott, while Karalee (7s to 5s) was a head back in third.
Jessica Harrington of course trains the winner, and she said afterwards: "It's great to see him back although he did his best to capsize at the last. Barry said he was very long but he quickened up well after it. I'm delighted with him and it's great to win another race with him.
"The race was almost written with him in mind.
"He may go to Aintree or may go to Punchestown. It will depend on the ground. He will go to one of those two."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into possible interference rounding the final bend involving Jezki, ridden by B.J. Geraghty, placed first and Karalee (FR), ridden by R. Walsh, placed third, where it appeared Karalee (FR) met with interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings. They were, however, of the opinion that B.J. Geraghty was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record, the Stewards suspended him for 1 raceday.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
