Bryan Cooper calls time on riding career

The 30-year-old won nine races at the Cheltenham Festival, his career highlight coming when Don Cossack won the Gold Cup in 2016

GOLDEN MOMENT: Bryan Cooper kisses the Gold Cup after Don Cossack landed the blue riband in 2016. Picture: Healy Racing

Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning rider Bryan Cooper has announced his retirement from the saddle with immediate effect.

The 30-year-old enjoyed the highlight of his career when partnering the Gordon Elliott-trained Don Cossack to victory at Prestbury Park in 2016, having also landed Down Royal's Champion Chase earlier in the campaign.