Cooper prognosis upbeat, may be home in a week

Jockey Bryan Cooper could return home in Ireland in a week’s time as he recovers in hospital from a broken leg.

Cooper suffered what was described as “a complex fracture” when he fell from Clarcam at the second-last flight of the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on Wednesday.

The rider, 21, has been been transferred from Gloucester Hospital to Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, where he has since undergone further surgery.

Dr Adrian McGoldrick, Irish Turf Club senior medical officer, said: “I have spoken to his spoke his mum and the operation was very successful.

“The operation required internal, rather than external, fixation. This will help him a great deal, mobility wise.

“He has lost some skin as he had to have a skin graft, so the next week is going to be very critical. All being well, he should be home in a week to 10 days.

“It is going to prolonged, but there is no reason why he will not make a full recovery.”