Bryan Cooper: A Journey of Triumphs, Tribulations, and Retirement
In a recent episode of the Unbridled podcast, Bryan Cooper, a former Gold Cup winning jockey, opened up about the rollercoaster ride that defined his career. From the thrill of victory to the despair of injuries, Cooper shared his reflections on his time in the saddle, his fierce battles with fellow jockey Paddy Brennan, and the moment he decided to walk away from the weighing room.
The Highs and Lows of a Jockey’s Career
Cooper’s journey began in 2010 when he clinched the Irish champion conditional jockeys’ title, marking the start of a promising career. His first Grade One victory came soon after, riding Benefficent to victory in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown. The pinnacle of his career came in March 2013 when he secured three wins at the Cheltenham Festival, catapulting him into the limelight.
However, as with any sport, injuries took their toll on Cooper. A broken femur sidelined him temporarily but didn’t dampen his spirits. In 2014, he was appointed as Gordon Elliott’s stable jockey, riding for some of the biggest trainers in both Britain and Ireland. But the shadow of injuries loomed large, leading Cooper to question his passion for the sport.
A Rivalry on the Track: Cooper vs. Brennan
One of the defining moments in Cooper’s career was his rivalry with Paddy Brennan, a fellow jockey with whom he had many heated exchanges on the track. Recalling their encounters, Cooper shared, “There was a lot of beef there. We shared the same valet, Bagsy, and I was probably the only other Irish person with Bagsy. I was always plonked beside Paddy at Cheltenham. I was quite young but he was revved. I came over a few times and I’d never seen anyone as revved.”
Brennan added his perspective, saying, “I suppose in my position, when a lad would walk around the with a swagger in the weighing room, I’d think, ‘I’m going to put manners on this lad’.” Their rivalry came to a head in the 2015 King George VI Chase at Kempton, where Brennan’s Cue Card faced off against Cooper’s mount, Don Cossack.
The 2016 Cheltenham Gold Cup: A Bittersweet Victory
In a dramatic turn of events, Cooper would have the last laugh over Brennan when he rode Don Cossack to victory in the 2016 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Reflecting on the race, Cooper shared, “Yeah, honest to God. I didn’t even give him a slap behind the saddle, and you don’t win a Gold Cup like that. I was going so well even at the fourth last I took the back three out of him, got him into pop and he nodded at the back of it.”
However, injuries continued to plague Cooper, eventually leading to his decision to retire from racing. Recounting a particularly harrowing fall at Cheltenham, Cooper shared, “It was horrific. I went to Gloucester first for surgery and then they sent me to Bristol. I was meant to have my own room but I didn’t and the guy next to me was going down for the same surgery prior to me, and he’d lost his leg.”
A New Chapter: Life After Racing
Despite the challenges he faced, Cooper remains content with his decision to retire from racing, finding joy in training young stock at his home in Kildare. Reflecting on his journey, Cooper shared, “I’m very content, it’s going to be two years in March and I’ve never been as happy in my life. I still struggle to find that bit of a thrill like you get – as Paddy knows – walking into Cheltenham as a winner or walking down the chute – that’s a bit irreplaceable.”
As Cooper embarks on a new chapter, his legacy as a talented jockey and a resilient individual continues to inspire fans and fellow riders alike. His story serves as a reminder of the highs and lows that come with pursuing a passion, and the courage it takes to walk away when the time is right.
