Harrington targets Irish Champion Hurdle for Jezki

Jezki, winner of the 2014 Champion Hurdle, is on course for a return to action in the BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 29.

The Jessica Harrington-trained gelding was last seen lowering the colours of Hurricane Fly at Punchestown in April 2015 and had been intended to return in the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle won by Vroum Vroum Mag on Wednesday.

Instead, Harrington has opted to give the JP McManus-owned star more time before making his eagerly awaited return.

The trainer said: “Jezki is good and on target for the Irish Champion Hurdle.

“That looks to be the most suitable race for him now. He just wasn’t 100 per cent right to come back this week.”