Morgiana next up for Our Conor Owner Barry Connell is looking forward to seeing Our Conor return to the jumping game next month following a satisfactory return to action on the Flat at Naas yesterday. Making his first appearance since his devastating display in the Triumph Hurdle and carrying Connell's colours for the first time, the Dessie Hughes-trained four-year-old came home fourth in the Woodlands 100 Club October Handicap. Next up for the four-year-old is a likely clash with dual StanJames Champion Hurdle hero Hurricane Fly in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on November 17th and Connell admits that is likely to be a season-defining contest. Connell said: "It was a good run as he wouldn't be overly fit for his first run of the year. He was a bit fresh early on and settled then from halfway before getting squeezed for room a couple times. "Overall we're very happy with him and he's on target now and should be match fit for the Morgiana in a month's time. We'll know where we stand after that. "He's obviously a much better horse over hurdles than he is on the Flat." Our Conor is towards the head of the betting for the Champion Hurdle next March, along with Hurricane Fly and Sunday's hugely-impressive Kempton scorer The New One. Connell admits it is a strong division this season and he is looking forward to finding out where Our Conor fits in the pecking order. "I thought The New One was very impressive and I'd say the experience of running against the more experienced horses in the Aintree Hurdle in the spring stood him in good stead," said the owner. "It was a good start to the season for him and there are a few good novices coming through, a couple in England and a couple in Ireland. "It should be exciting."
