Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Bryan Cooper retires aged 30 after top career ravaged by injury
CHELTENHAM Gold Cup winner Bryan Cooper has announced his retirement aged just 30.
The top jockey, whose career has been ravaged by injuries over the years, announced his decision on social media.
Times Newspapers LtdGold Cup winner Bryan Cooper has retired from race riding[/caption]
Crispin Rodwell – The Sun DublinHe won nine times at the Cheltenham Festival during his career[/caption]
He memorably won the Gold Cup aboard Don Cossack in 2016 and in all he rode nine winners at the Festival.
Among his other big winners were Our Conor in the Triumph Hurdle in 2013 and the Mares’ Hurdle on Apple’s Jade in 2017.
But he also suffered plenty of injuries during his career, including broken legs, a fractured pelvis and a collapsed lung, and that time spent on the sidelines saw his number of winners and rides dip.
He said in a statement: “After much careful thought and consideration for some time, I am officially announcing my retirement from race-riding with immediate effect.
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“I’ve been lucky to have had a wonderful career over the past 14 years as a jockey.
“To my family, owners, trainers and stable staff who have supported me throughout my whole career, I can’t thank you enough for some incredible days.
“It is time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me.”
Cooper did not ride at last week’s Cheltenham Festival and was unseated by Farceur Du Large on his final ride at Naas on March 12.
His final winner came six days earlier at Leopardstown when he partnered Wa Wa to win a handicap hurdle.
Several of his former weighing room colleagues paid tribute to the jockey on social media.
Barry Geraghty said: “Best of luck @92bryan92 in your next Chapter. You’ve had a brilliant career and a lot to be proud of.”
Sam Twiston-Davies added: “Very best of luck with everything in the future.”
And David Egan said: “Onto the next chapter. Go Smash it Bryan.”
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