Cooper back in winner’s enclosure

Bryan Cooper, who returned to action after a six-month absence in Limerick on Sunday, was back in the winner’s enclosure when Lord Scoundrel, in the colours of Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud, captured the opening irishinjuredjockeys.com Maiden Hurdle in Punchestown yesterday.

Cooper shattered a leg when Clarcam fell in the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last March and has endured a long road back to race-riding.

Sent to the front turning for home, 13/8 favourite Lord Scoundrel was a little deliberate at the final flight and was headed briefly on the run-in before rallying to triumph by a half-length.