Cummins wants Big Buck's, Cooper returns

Jockey Bryan Cooper made his comeback from injury in the Kilbeggan Patrons Club Hurdle at Kilbeggan today but had to settle for fifth place on Canaly and behind winner Aughnacurraveel whose trainer Thomas Cummins optimistically fancies a shot at Big Buck's next March.

Cooper was having his first mount in public since breaking his leg in a fall from Tepalo in a chase at Down Royal on May 6 but never looked like winning on Canaly which eventually faded to finish fifth, behind easy winner Aughnacurraveal.

Ridden by Pierce Gallagher, Aughnacurraveal moved to the front at the last and ran on strongly for an easy three and a quarter lengths win over Leblon

Cummins has every right to hold Aughnacurravea in high esteem as the gelding has in the past beaten smart hurdler Domination and National Hunt Chase winner Back In Focus. However the Co Waterford trainer wants more and has his eyes set on four times World Hurdle winner Big Buck's.

He stated “he'll be going to Cheltenham in March – I might put him away until then. He's a good horse and is a serious three miler but I 've been running him over the wrong distance all along and three miles up that hill at Cheltenham we'll take them on!”

The gelding's last hurdle win was gained at Tipperary in July 2012 when Cummins declared “Big Buck’s better watch out! You think I’m joking but I’m not!"

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson