IRISH RUNNER JEZKI gave jockey Barry Geraghty his second win and trainer Jessica Harrington her first in the Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival this afternoon.
The six-year-old — who Geraghty has never lost on in five rides — won in a thrilling finish from My Tent Or Yours ridden by Tony McCoy, who had opted for the ride on the runner-up rather than the winner.
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For Harrington it was her first win in the race having previously finished second and third.
The New One ran on brilliantly for third after being badly hampered by another fancied Irish runner Our Conor with six hurdles to jump.
Our Conor — who was bought for £1million after his Triumph Hurdle win at Cheltenham last year — suffered a bad back injury and had to be put down by the course vet.
Two-time champion Hurricane Fly was prominent until just before the final hurdle when Ruby Walsh went for the whip and the 10-year-old found the younger horses too quick for him.
The 11/4 favourite — winner in 2011 and 2013 — eventually finished fourth.
Jezki wins Champion Hurdle but tragedy strikes for Our Conor
IRISH RUNNER JEZKI gave jockey Barry Geraghty his second win and trainer Jessica Harrington her first in the Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival this afternoon.
The six-year-old — who Geraghty has never lost on in five rides — won in a thrilling finish from My Tent Or Yours ridden by Tony McCoy, who had opted for the ride on the runner-up rather than the winner.
For Harrington it was her first win in the race having previously finished second and third.
The New One ran on brilliantly for third after being badly hampered by another fancied Irish runner Our Conor with six hurdles to jump.
Our Conor — who was bought for £1million after his Triumph Hurdle win at Cheltenham last year — suffered a bad back injury and had to be put down by the course vet.
Two-time champion Hurricane Fly was prominent until just before the final hurdle when Ruby Walsh went for the whip and the 10-year-old found the younger horses too quick for him.
The 11/4 favourite — winner in 2011 and 2013 — eventually finished fourth.
- © AFP, 2014
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Barry Geraghty Champion Hurdle Cheltenham Festival Cheltenham Festival 2014 Horse Racing Jessica Harrington Jezki