‘Too brave’ Conor pays ultimate price

It was a million-pound five-year old with a glittering past and an even brighter future but owner Barry Connell suspected the worst as soon as Our Conor fell at the third obstacle in yesterday’s Stan James Champion Hurdle.

Connell was here eight years ago when another of his horses, Buck Whaley, took the second last in contention only to tumble much the same way as Our Conor. The outcome then was the same as now.

It is only 12 months since the Dessie Hughes-trained fancy claimed the Triumph Hurdle in these same parts by 15 lengths. Connell later bought him for the sum above which, though never confirmed, was never denied either.