Connell takes plunge to buy Festival star Our Conor

Our Conor, the most exciting young hurdler in National Hunt racing, has been bought by Barry Connell.

No price has been disclosed, but it is certain to have been considerable.

Our Conor will remain in training with Dessie Hughes, having powered to the head of the Champion Hurdle betting for 2014, following a scintillating performance at Cheltenham last Friday.

The son of Jeremy went off a 4-1 shot for the Triumph Hurdle and produced one of the great displays of the Festival.

Partnered by Bryan Cooper, he jumped and travelled like a dream, cruising ahead off the home turn to win with any amount in hand by 15 lengths from Far West.

Successful twice on the flat, he is now unbeaten in all four of his races over flights.

Our Conor used to be owned by the Man About Town Syndicate, who clearly decided that what had to amount to a major offer on Connell’s part was simply too good to refuse.

The four-year-old is currently sharing favouritism for the Champion Hurdle with dual winner, Hurricane Fly, at around 5-1.

Connell confirmed last night: ” I have bought Our Conor. Obviously, his price was substantial, but a horse like him comes along once in a blue moon.

“I have always followed his career and, given a modicum of luck, and should he progress from four to five, then he should be right in the mix for the Champion Hurdle.

“He’s a very sound horse and was my banker for Cheltenham, although I didn’t think he would win as well as he did. He will stay with Dessie Hughes and couldn’t be with a better fellow.

“I don’t know if he will go to Punchestown, we’ll see, he has already done plenty this season.”

Connell, a Dublin stockbroker, is becoming an increasingly influential owner in this country.

Shortly after the then Sean O’Brien-trained Golantilla won a bumper at Cork in January by 13 lengths, he paid €375,000 for him.

Golantilla was transferred to Tony Martin and reappeared in the Weatherbys’ Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last week.

He finished a creditable third behind Briar Hill and Regal Encore.

Only quite recently, Connell appointed Danny Mullins, son of trainers Tony and Mags Mullins, as his retained rider.