Jezki© Photo Healy Racing
Connections of Jezki were happy enough with his run behind Hurricane Fly at Leopardstown on Sunday despite losing out to his old adversary for a fifth time.
But for a mistake at the final flight, Jezki would have finished second instead of third as Willie Mullins' incredible performer chalked up a fifth successive win in the Irish Champion Hurdle.
All roads now lead to Cheltenham where Jezki will attempt to retain his crown in the Stan James Champion Hurdle, in which he had Hurricane Fly back in fourth last March.
"He's come out of the race fine. He ran well, he was probably going to be second again and there's no real excuses," said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.
"Hurricane Fly is a wonderful horse and it was no disgrace to be beaten by him round there.
"Hopefully all will go well between now and Cheltenham. Everyone has to get there on the day."
