Ancient Sands wins as Our Conor is fourth

Ancient Sands at 10/1 made it four wins in-a-row with a stout staying performance in the mile and a half premier handicap in Naas with Connor King in the plate.

The five-year-old gelding hit the front at the two pole and quickly established a clear lead. In the end though, he held by a head from the closing Stony Grey (9/1). Tri Na Ceile at 7/1 was third and Our Conor the 5/2 favourite, fourth.

Trainer Joanna Morgan said: “He’s just improving and he has so much confidence, I don’t know why. I always thought he was OK, but I didn’t think he was a 95 horse.

“The more he wins the more confidence he is getting. I didn’t think he would be as effective on that ground, but he just has so much confidence at the minute.

“We don’t do much with him at home. He’s only rated 115 over hurdles. I took a chance and entered him in the November Handicap at Leopardstown so he may go there.

“The sauna broke down so Chris [Geoghegan] couldn’t do the weight. Connor [King] is very capable. He’s a very cool lad and I couldn’t fault him. They seem to run for him. I’ve never used him before. It was Chris that said to use Connor.”

Jockey King had left the track as he had completed his rides for the day. He had to be phoned to come back for this spare.

All eyes were on Triumph Hurdle winner Our Conor making his seasonal reappearance on what is planned to be a campaign that includes a tilt at the Champion Hurdle.

He raced in rear before making headway under Danny Mullins. As the pair tried to move closer to proceedings they were buffeted between two horses and kept on for fourth without looking like getting involved in the finish.

Our Conor’s trainer Dessie Hughes was pleased with his star’s run as he said: “I’m delighted. He travelled well and he ran well. The others have been running all year whereas that’s his first run. He’d be 90 per cent fit. It just made so much difference to him when he saw a hurdle, coming from the flat.”

When asked would the Morgiana Hurdle be next for Our Conor, Hughes replied: “Definitely.”

The Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown next month could see a clash between Our Conor and Hurricane Fly.

Our Conor’s jockey Danny Mullins reported: “I’m very happy with that. He was a little bit fresh in places and got a little bit tired.

“You don’t want a Champion Hurdle horse ready now. He should improve and be alright for the season ahead. Everything went to plan.”

Boylesports make The New One 7/2 favourite for the Champion Hurdle, from 7/1. Hurricane Fly is 5/1 from 7/2 while Our Conor remains unchanged at 5/1. My Tent Or Yours is 6/1.

The New One beat Rock On Ruby by 10 lengths in a Listed hurdle at Kempton today.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson