Cooper back with a bang on Tombstone

Bryan Cooper made a welcome return to the winners enclosure in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle as Tombstone turned over Jezki in the Grade 3 event at Gowran Park this afternoon.

Cooper, who has endured an injury hit few years, returned to action today for the first time since fracturing his pelvis at Punchestown on New Year's Eve.

Having had to settle for runner-up spots in the first two races today it proved third time lucky for Gigginstown's retained rider.

Jezki was sent off 2/5 favourite for the two-miler but came under pressure two from home.

Tombstone, who had hit the lead after the fourth last, stayed on well and had things in control as Jezki blundered at the last.

Gordon Elliott 's charge, who was slightly untidy himself at the final flight, kept on strongly to record a four-length success at odds of 9/4.

Returning from injury, @92bryan92 partners Tombstone to land the @RED_MILLSfeed Trial Hurdle at @GowranPark1... pic.twitter.com/LgdsZ1A3db

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) February 18, 2017

 "I felt he'd improved alot from Navan, and we were giving Jezki weight the last day. It was a good performance,” said Elliott.

"He was going to go chasing but he had a few setbacks. He'll go over fences next year.

"He could step up to two and a half miles, and the race at Aintree might be a possibility. The plan was to let him roll off the back straight and if he was good enough he was good enough."

Jessica Harrington said of Jezki:- "I knew it was a risk coming here on the ground. He's never liked heavy ground, and has been beaten on it plenty of times.

"The main thing is that he's alright tomorrow, and all options are still open (at Cheltenham)."

Cooper told At The Races afterwards:- “It's great to get it. We always thought he was a fair horse and I was looking forward to him going chasing this year but next year is another year and he did it very well.

“We were coming in off a break as well last time. I watched the race in Navan back about ten times and it didn't look like they went very quick.

“Jezki more done him for toe going to the last so today I was making sure it was a strong run race and I wasn't afraid to take it up at the third last as the one thing I wanted to do was knock the speed out of Jezki.

“I know he stays three miles but he's still a Champion Hurdle winner. I had that in the back of my mind and I think I got a run coming down the hill.

“One thing I do like is that when he missed the last he picked up and went on again. He's definitely one to look forward to.

“He has a massive engine and you just have to look back to the Supreme Novice form where he has beaten the first and second favourites for the Champion Hurdle.

“He's got an engine and please god we can keep him right.”

Paddy Power make Jezki 14/1 (from 6/1) for the Champion Hurdle & 10/1 (from 5/1) for the Stayers. Boylesports go 8/1 (from 6/1) for the Stayers Hurdle.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)