Power hopes to be back in action next weekend

Robbie Power, who suffered a spinal injury at Gowran Park nine days ago, has received positive news this week that could mean a return to action next weekend.

Power suffered a disc bulge in a fall from Canadian Steel on Thyestes Chase day and was expecting to be out for up to six weeks, but he has since been told that he could return in time to ride Sizing John in the Stan James Gold Cup and Our Duke in the Flogas Novice Chase next weekend.

Power said: "Thankfully, it is not as bad as first feared. It is getting better as every day goes by and I am pretty confident I will be back next week and in time for Sizing John and Our Duke at Leopardstown."

Bryan Cooper, out of action since suffering a fractured pelvis at Punchestown on New Year's eve, is hoping to resume before the end of the month.

He said yesterday: "I have an appointment to see my surgeon on February 14 and I'm expecting to get the all clear then. I should be back riding out this coming week."