FELIX Desjy bounced back to winning ways when making all the running in the Grade 2 Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Won by some top-class youngsters such as Vautour, Douvan and Min in recent years, there did not appear to be anything of that calibre lining up on this occasion.

Felix Desjy (11/4) had shown some smart form in bumpers last year and finished sixth in the championship event at Cheltenham. He started his career over hurdles with a win, but had met with defeat on his next three outings.

Bounced out by Sean Flanagan, replacing Davy Russell who had been stood down for the day with sore ribs, he came home five lengths clear of the field.

Jetez, trained by Jessica Harrington who handled Moscow Flyer so brilliantly through his career, came home best of the remainder but both of Willie Mullins’ runners, Harrie and Buildmeupbuttercup, disappointed.

“He disappointed us a few times, but we were dropping him in early on and I’d say it was the wrong way to ride him,” said Elliott.

“He likes striding along and jumps well. I thought it was a nice performance and Sean said he galloped the whole way to the line and didn’t stop, so we’re happy.

“I’d say the key to him is letting him stride along. He doesn’t have to make the running, it’s not essential, but he seems to be able to gallop them into the ground.

“He jumped very well. Keith (O’Donoghue) said the last day he was kind of backing off the Easyfix hurdles and didn’t jump great. He was very slick there today so we’re happy.

“That looks his trip. He was only beaten six or seven lengths in the bumper (at Cheltenham) last year and he’s a nice horse. He disappointed a bit early on over hurdles but, touch wood, he’s back on track now.

“He’s obviously in at the Dublin Racing Festival and we’ll have a look and see what happens there. He’ll probably go there and I’d imagine the Supreme Novices’ is where he’ll go now.”

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