Cooper to return next week Bryan Cooper expects to be back in action by the end of next week after the cast was removed today from his fractured right wrist. “I got the cast taken off today after seeing (orthopaedic surgeon) Paddy Kenny in Blanchardstown, and he said he'd pass me to go back race-riding next Thursday (December 15). I'm delighted as it's been a frustrating time of the year to be off. “I hope to ride out a few in Dessie's (Hughes) either by Saturday or next Monday but the wrist is still pretty weak and I need to get some physio,” said Cooper. The Tralee native, now based with Hughes on the Curragh, has been sidelined since taking a fall from the Tom Cleary-trained Cordless at the halfway stage in a two mile handicap hurdle won by Luke's Benefit at Fairyhouse on November 16. Cooper broke the same wrist in a fall at Gowran Park two year's ago but believes a pin inserted after that incident may have saved it shattering this time. The talented 19-year-old was the champion conditional rider last season when running away with the title on 37 winners, and he has already partnered a further 21 winners this term to ride out his claim.
