Conron beats the market principals under Power Conron made it two from two at Punchestown, as he got the better of market principals Bay Hill and Silver Star in the Irish National Stud Handicap Hurdle. Successful over the course and distance in May, when returned at 66/1, the Jessica Harrington trained four-year-old had been a bit disappointing since. He was however a decent fourth on his last start at Tipperary, and was sent off a 4/1 chance (13/2 in early shows and from 9/2 on-course) this afternoon with Robbie Power in the saddle. Settled in mid-division, the John O'Hagan owned four-year-old took closer order from four out, and was ridden in pursuit of the leading pair as they entered the straight. He came with his effort at the last, and soon got to the front, keeping on well from there to score by two and quarter lengths. Bay Hill, who sent off the 7/4 favourite, had to settle for second under Mark Walsh for Padraig Roche, while top-weight Silver Star was another three lengths back in third. "I'm delighted with him. He's just been crying out all summer for a big galloping track," said Harrington. "He'll stay further next year. He might get another couple of runs, I wouldn't run him this year on very heavy ground. "He'll go away for the winter and come back in the spring. Next summer he'll go two-and-a-half. "He's still very babyish. Robbie had to ride him into the hurdles all the way down the back. "He stayed on really well and jumped super. He made one mistake early on, they went quick and I'd say he was just inexperienced. "He's getting there, he's a big horse." Additional reporting by Gary Carson
