G1 for Milan’s son Jezki

Jezki (5g Milan-La Noire, by Phardante) crowned a fabulous season at the Punchestown Festival on Tuesday when running away with the G1 Herald Champion Novice Hurdle by 16 lengths under Barry Geraghty. The Milan gelding, bred by Gerard McGrath out of the brilliant mare La Noire, reversed the form with his Cheltenham conqueror Champagne Fever to register his third G1 victory of the season. “He was unbelievable. Everything went right for him today,” said Harrington. “He settled well, then took a chance at the second but after that he was always travelling. They went a good clip, which helped, and then when Barry asked him to go he really accelerated. “I was a bit disappointed at Cheltenham and thought it was a very good race but I don’t know why things were different today. Maybe it was the travelling or the hill at Cheltenham or perhaps the sun shining today has helped. “He has only done one piece of work since Cheltenham and the only time we have jumped him at home since then was yesterday.” Jezki is just 6/1 with Paddy Power for next year’s Champion Hurdle and Harrington added: “I’ve not spoken to Mr (J P ) McManus and his team but I’d imagine he’ll stay over two miles over hurdles next season as he is still only five.”