Hughes talks up Conor

Dessie Hughes is confident his stable star Our Conor can step up to the plate on his first jumping appearance since a breathtaking display in the Triumph Hurdle last season as he prepares to tackle the brilliant Hurricane Fly in tomorrow’s Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Hughes said: “He’s fit and well and I’m very happy with him.

“If the ground is soft that won’t be a problem, so we’ll just have to see what happens.

“We’ll know a lot more on Sunday night, that’s for sure.

“No-one could ever think he’d win like that around Cheltenham, it was nearly impossible what he did, he was never out of a canter in the race and won as if it was only a stroll. Hopefully he’s as good as he looked.

“He’ll have the Leopardstown run and probably one other before he goes to Cheltenham.

“There’s definitely added pressure this year, preparing any horse for the Champion Hurdle there’s pressure, especially a horse like him, everyone is waiting to see if he has improved or is he as good as what he showed and I have to prove that now.”

Jessica Harrington’s Jezki claimed his fourth Grade One haul in the in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse at the start of the month and adds further strength in depth.

Harrington said: “We’ve done everything we can with our horse and he seems in great form.”