Cooper back among the winners

Bryan Cooper, out of action with a broken leg sustained at Down Royal last May until resuming race-riding at Kilbeggan last Friday, was back in the winner’s enclosure following the smooth success of Captain Arceus in the City Publicans Charity Hurdle in Galway yesterday.

The seven-year-old boasted rock-solid handicap form going into the two-and-a-half mile event and, sent off 13/8 favourite in the absence of Hidden Cyclone (a late withdrawal due to unsuitably fast ground), he came from off the pace to lead between the last two flights before stretching clear and, despite idling, beating market rival Now This Is It by over three lengths.

The victory of Captain Arceus will hopefully prove a tonic for his trainer, recuperating in hospital following surgery last Wednesday. It provided a timely boost for Cooper ahead of the seven-day Listowel Festival which starts on Sunday.