Cooper off to a flyer for Gigginstown

Bryan Cooper got off to a flyer as the new first jockey to Gigginstown House Stud when guiding Gordon Elliott’s Toner D’Oudairies to victory in the Racecourse Supporters’ Club Chase at Thurles yesterday.

Rupert Lamb, in front from the fifth, was still bowling along merrily in the lead, apparently full of running, when falling four out. The winner was then left at the head of affairs and found plenty for Cooper driving up the straight to resist the persistent challenge of Letter Of Credit.

Commented Elliott: “I thought he might need it a bit, he’s been a right servant. There’s a conditions race back here in a few weeks and he could go for that.”