Cooper eager to take on Thistlecrack

Bryan Cooper is keen to “have a go” at Thistlecrack with reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Don Cossack.

The Gordon Elliott-trained Don Cossack was a brilliant winner of the blue riband back in March, but has been sidelined by injury since.

For a while his career was hanging in the balance, but he is now back in training and connections appear increasingly confident he will defend his crown at Prestbury Park in March.