Cooper quick to quash speculation over move to ride in Britain

Bryan Cooper has dismissed reports he will be concentrating mainly on riding in Britain this season having lost his job as number one rider for Gigginstown House Stud in July.

Speaking on Friday morning, Cooper said: "The story that appeared in today's Irish Independent is pure speculation. My intention is to go wherever I can get the best rides be it Navan, Leopardstown, Ascot or wherever.

"I can confirm there are no significant agreements in place at this time and that I will continue to be based in Ireland.

"I have been asked by some owners in Britain to ride for them on occasions and feel privileged to have been approached. A few jockeys – Ruby [Walsh], Davy [Russell] and others have mixed riding at home and in Britain – and that's what I hope to do.

"I'm as hungry as ever to continue building on the success I have achieved so far and I'm looking forward to working on whatever new opportunities arise while still being committed to my Irish connections."

Cooper has ridden eight winners this season and was on the mark at Listowel on Monday when scoring on Crocodile Dundee, trained by his father, Tom, for whom he rides Anguino in the opener at Listowel today.

The jockey said: "It's been a quiet September for a lot of jump jockeys, so the fact I've had only three rides this month means nothing.

"I'm riding out and schooling for a good few trainers and I'm looking forward to the coming weeks and months when the main jumps season gets busier."

The 25-year-old's career has been interrupted by a spate of serious injuries over the past few years, but he has ridden a number of high-profile Cheltenham Festival winners, including Don Cossack in the 2016 Gold Cup and Our Conor in the 2013 Triumph Hurdle.