BRYAN Cooper could be back in the saddle in time to partner Fox Norton in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown next Saturday after being assessed for a shoulder injury by his specialist on Tuesday.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Paddy Kenny has advised Cooper to rest for a week or so after confirming he is suffering from bruising, but he should be able to take the ride on Fox Norton for Dorset trainer Colin Tizzard.

Cooper damaged his shoulder blade in a fall from the Tizzard-trained Sizing Tennessee at the second fence in the Tindle Newspapers Beginners’ Chase at Ascot last Friday.

He went straight home for precautionary X-rays the same day, which proved to be clear, and has now got the expert opinion of Dr Kenny.

“Bryan saw Mr Kenny. He has just got some bruising and he has told him to rest for a week to 10 days,” said Dr Adrian McGoldrick, senior medical officer for the Turf Club.

“He’s got bruising over his shoulder blade. All being well, he’ll be back for the weekend after next. Hopefully we’ll have him back for the Tingle Creek.”

Cooper was aboard Fox Norton when the high-class seven-year-old made a successful reappearance in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham, just days after the death of his owner Alan Potts.