Konker ran arguably a career best despite being beaten for the first time this season on his latest start and looks a good bet at Wetherby today.

Future events may show that Konker was facing the impossible in trying to give 14lb to two potentially smart recruits in Dower House and Rum Pointer in a Newcastle novice hurdle.

The six-year-old was going cosily throughout the two-mile trip for amateur rider Brian Murphy and looked the likely winner until the superior Flat speed of his two main rivals and the weight concession proved decisive on the run-in.

Yet, Konker was only beaten a length and a quarter by the winner.

Murphy continues his association with Konker, who still looks on the upgrade and can land the Wetherby Racecourse Banqueting Handicap Hurdle.

Bramble Fair can give Mrs Reveley a winning start to proceedings by taking the Wetherby Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.