The Dessie Hughes trained Our Conor was moved to the head of many bookmakers' markets for the Triumph Hurdle with an impressive win in the opening Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle on Hennessy Gold Cup Day at Leopardstown today.

Ridden by Hughes' stable jockey Bryan Cooper, the son of Jeremy moved past leader Diakali early in the straight for a five lengths win over the 7/4 favourite. British raider Ruacana filled the third place, ahead of Diakali's stablemate Blood Cotil

Afterwards a delighted Hughes stated “he (Our Conor) spoke for himself there! He is the real deal and is definitely stronger today. I was still surpised 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 onto 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 at Cheltenham).”

Paddy Power later cut Our Conor to 6/1 joint favourite for the Triumph Hurdle while Boylesports are 7/1 (from 14s) and Stan James 6s (from 12s).

Quotes from Gary Carson