Harrington hails 'brilliant' Jezki as 2014 Champion Hurdle winner is retired

Jezki, the 2014 Champion Hurdle winner who was part of a golden era of two-mile hurdlers in the middle of this decade, has been retired at the age of 11 after winning 16 of his 39 races and earning over €1 million in prize-money.

Bought by JP McManus from breeder Gerry McGrath during his novice hurdle campaign, Jezki came out on top in one of the most thrilling Champion Hurdles of all time when edging out My Tent Or Yours by a neck, with The New One in third and favourite Hurricane Fly in fourth. Barry Geraghty was on Jezki that day after AP McCoy opted to ride My Tent Or Yours.

That was Jezki's finest hour but there were many more memorable moments during his stellar career. Eight of his 16 wins came at Grade 1 level, most recently when taking the step up to three miles in his stride to beat old foe Hurricane Fly in the 2015 Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle at Punchestown.

"He was an absolutely brilliant horse and we loved him around here. He was a character and he will be sorely missed around the place," said trainer, Jessica Harrington.

She added: "When Jezki won his Champion Hurdle I am convinced it kept John [Harrington, late husband] alive for a few more weeks. It gave him a new lease of life. It was an amazing day and we cherished it so much.

"He was such a high-class horse and he only ever had one injury. He was part of a brilliant generation of two-mile hurdlers."

All smiles: connections of Jezki pose with the 2014 Champion Hurdle winner after his 16th successCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Frank Berry, racing manager for McManus, believes finding another Jezki will not be easy.

"He was a wonderful horse and an absolute credit to Jessie. We were all very proud of him and it will be very hard to find another one like him," said Berry.

Jezki was last seen finishing down the field in a handicap hurdle at the Punchestown festival in May, but he almost snatched the valuable Ladbrokes Hurdle in February at 16-1, collared only in the dying strides by Off You Go.

Jezki in numbers

€1.05 million in prize-money
171 RPR posted when winning 2014 Champion Hurdle
169 highest rating
39 appearances
16 wins

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