Cooper strikes for Gigginstown

Bryan Cooper and Dessie Hughes shared a New Year’s Day double in Fairyhouse as Lieutenant Colonel and Off The Charts powered to emphatic victories.

Cooper, widely regarded as hot favourite to be Gigginstown House Stud’s new retained jockey, gave the Gigginstown-owned Lieutenant Colonel a confident ride in the opening New Year Maiden Hurdle, cruising through to lead at the second last before stretching clear to beat To Choose by fourteen lengths.

Hughes commented: “He’s a smashing horse and a great jumper. I thought he had improved from Navan, where he bumped into a good horse, and won really well. He should be able to compete in some of the good novice hurdles now.”