Hughes sweet on Conor

Dessie Hughes believes Our Conor is the one to beat in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.

Unbeaten in three races over timber, the four-year-old was a hugely impressive winner of a Grade One at Leopardstown earlier this month, beating two from the Willie Mullins yard who had won both their starts over hurdles previously.

Also well behind him was John Ferguson's Ruacana, a Grade One winner at Chepstow, giving the form a really solid look.

"He looks the one they all have to beat to me," said Hughes.

"What really pleased me about that last day was that it was a really good time. If we'd beaten Willie's horse (Diakali) and it was a poor time people could have said it wasn't much of a race but they can't when the time is good.

"That race is usually a good trial for the Triumph and we're very happy with him."

Our Conor is a 9/2 chance with Sky Bet for the Triumph Hurdle.