Conor settles in at Cheltenham

Leading Stan James Champion Hurdle hope Our Conor is reported to have settled in well after arriving at Cheltenham on Thursday evening.

The Dessie Hughes-trained five-year-old was a stunning winner of the Triumph Hurdle at last year's Festival and has run well in defeat behind dual Champion Hurdle hero Hurricane Fly twice at Leopardstown this season.

Although he does not face his date with destiny until Tuesday afternoon, Hughes, who saddled Hardy Eustace to win successive renewals of the Champion Hurdle in 2004 and 2005, was keen to get his youngster to Prestbury Park in good time.

The handler said: "He's settled in well. He ate up last night and has had plenty of water. He's been out on the track this morning and seems fine.

"He came over with Lieutenant Colonel, who runs in the race on Wednesday (Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle).

"I was keen to bring him (Our Conor) over with just one other horse and everything seems to have gone well so far.

"The first night is always important when they're away from home, but he's come through that well and can only get better from here on in.

"We're very pleased with him and we're looking forward to the day now."

Hughes revealed the rest of his Festival team would travel to Cheltenham on Sunday.