Bryan Cooper, only in his third month as first jockey to Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud, faces a four to six month spell on the sidelines, after breaking his leg at Cheltenham yesterday.

Richard Johnson has been booked by the Grand National-winning team of Sue and Harvey Smith for Hennessy Gold Cup contender Cloudy Too.

Irish interests in the 23-strong field for Saturday’s hugely prestigious Hennessy Gold Cupstaying handicap at Newbury are spiked by the likely participation of last season’s RSA Chase winner Lord Windermere, who represents the Jim Culloty team.

Part-owner Malcolm Kimmins admits Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Bobs Worth is likely to have plenty on his plate as he kicks off his season in what looks a mouth-watering renewal of the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.