Our Conor completed a hat-trick over jumps with an impressive display to take the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown and is now set to head the Irish challenge for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Bryan Cooper brought the Dessie Hughes-trained four-year-old to challenge long-time leader Diakali two out in the Grade One contest and quickly put the race to bed.

Our Conor (100-30) pulled five lengths clear to land the spoils in style, with Diakali second and British raider Ruacana a further four and a quarter lengths away in third.

Hughes said: "I was confident he would run a big race. I was happy with him today, his blood was 100%, he was working well and he was fit.

"He spoke for himself there. He is the real deal and is definitely stronger today. I was still surprised the way he won, he hardly came off the bridle.

"He goes on any ground and real good ground will suit him well. He met a lot of his hurdles wrong today but was still quick over them and jumped two out very well.

"Bryan said he was off the bridle early on, but when he got to three out he latched back on to it.

"He finished his race well and it is great to see him staying so well, that's what he'll need for his next race (the Triumph Hurdle)."

Stan James make Our Conor clear 6-1 second-favourite (from 12) for the Triumph behind the Nicky Henderson-trained Rolling Star.

Spokesman Joseph Burke said: "He jumps, gallops and stays well. He's unbeaten now from three starts over hurdles and could not be with a better trainer in Dessie Hughes."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests