Fall leaves Cooper ‘badly winded’

Bryan Cooper is expected to be fit for the start of the Cheltenham Festival tomorrow after emerging relatively unscathed from a crunching fall at Naas yesterday.

The number one rider for the powerful Gigginstown House Stud operation was thrown to the ground when Allied Victory came to grief in the Sunday Market At Naas Racecourse Maiden Hurdle, and although rising to his feet he was assessed for some moments by paramedics.

He missed the ride on Folsom Blue in the Leinster National, but no serious injuries were reported.