Jezki brings frustrating run to an end in Aintree drama

Jessica Harrington stood relieved and thrilled in equal measure in the Liverpool sunshine yesterday after Jezki brought a frustrating run of results to an end with victory in the Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle.

After following up his triumph in last year’s Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham with a dominant display at Punchestown, Harrington believed her pride and joy could become the ruling force in the division this season, but the reality has not been quite straightforward.

Jezki’s resurgent rival Hurricane Fly claimed his scalp once at Punchestown and twice at Leopardstown and Harrington’s ace chased home a trio of Willie Mullins big guns when defending his crown at Prestbury Park.