Jezki held off My Tent or Yours for a JP McManus one-two finish in the feature Champion Hurdle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival today.
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The two green-and-gold hooped riders went over the final fence in first and second, with Barry Geraghty seeing Jezki (9/1) home despite the challenge of Tony McCoy on My Tent Or Yours (3/1).
Hurricane Fly (11/4) was denied a third Champion title by coming home fourth, with The New One (10/3) in third.
The race was overshadowed by the fatal fall suffered by Our Conor, who had to be put down after the race because of a back injury.
The day began with victory for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullens in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle as joint-favourite Vautour (7/2) led from the front and jumped elegantly to victory.
It was almost two-from-two for Walsh in the Arkle Chase, but Champagne Fever (11/4 joint-favourite) was beaten at the last moment by 33/1 outsider Western Warhorse under Tom Scudamore.
Holywell (10/1) finished strongly to win the Handicap Chase ahead of Ma Filleule (33/1) before Jezki's victory in the Champion Hurdle.
Then Quevega (8/11 favourite) created Cheltenham history by winning a sixth Mares' Hurdle under Walsh, edging out stablemate Glens Melody after jumping the last behind.
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Day one finished with victories for Midnight Prayer (8/1) and Present View (8/1) in the Amateur Riders Novice Chase and Novices' Handicap Chase respectively.
Pascal Lemesre
