Doubters take a plastering

THERE IS nothing better in this business than being written off by public and pundit alike and then being able to force upon them a helping of humble pie.

Thus it was for Tralee trainer Tom Cooper yesterday when his oft-dismissed seven-year-old Forpadydeplasterer won the Arkle Chase in gripping fashion under a determined and driving ride by Barry Geraghty.

Cooper, who has been battling to give up cigarettes for some time now, will have to start again after yesterday’s race during which the pressure got to him and he fell back into old habits, but whatever pleasure the nicotine boost gave him, it was nothing like the pleasure he got seeing his horse prove the doubters wrong.