First Lieutenant one to beat in Hennessy Gold Cup, says Bryan Cooper

Bryan Cooper believes First Lieutenant will be the one to beat if he runs in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 9.

Cooper won the Betfred Bowl on Mouse Morris’ nine-year-old at Aintree last year when standing in for the injured Davy Russell but as the new retained rider for the powerful Gigginstown House Stud, the ride will be Cooper’s when he wants it.

First Lieutenant bounced back to his best form in the Lexus when narrowly beaten by Bobs Worth in the hands of David Casey and Cooper feels in the absence of Nicky Henderson’s Gold Cup winner and fellow Gigginstown-owned Sir Des Champs, Morris’ flag bearer will take all the beating next month.