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Gigginstown Go All Out For Novice Glory

Tue 27th Dec 2016, 09:04

Avenir D'Une Vie and Bryan CooperAvenir D'Une Vie and Bryan Cooper
© Photo Healy Racing

Gigginstown House Stud launch a four-pronged assault on today's Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Michael O'Leary's operation last landed the Grade One prize with First Lieutenant in 2010 and is this year responsible for half of the eight-strong field.

Retained jockey Bryan Cooper has sided with Avenir D'Une Vie, a high-class bumper performer for Willie Mullins last season and impressive on his hurdling debut for Henry de Bromhead at Fairyhouse.

His stable companion Peace News the mount of David Mullins, was a hot favourite for the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse earlier in the month after impressing on his jumping bow at Cork, but crashed out two flights from the finish when still holding every chance.

De Bromhead also saddles Lion In His Heart (Davy Russell), who has fallen and ran out on his last two starts, while Noel Meade's Royal Bond third Le Martalin (Sean Flanagan) completes the Gigginstown quartet.

Stud manager Eddie O'Leary said: " We'll find out how good they all are.

"Bryan had the choice and has gone for Avenir D'Une Vie. I'd say it was between him and Peace News.

"Avenir D'Une Vie was good in Fairyhouse and obviously this is a step up for him.

"Peace News was a long way from beaten (in the Royal Bond). I'd like to see him stand up this time and hopefully he's a bit luckier.

"Le Martalin was third in the Royal Bond and hopefully he's improved a bit from that. He'll need to improve.

"The other horse (Lion In His Heart) just needs to learn his job."

Mullins, who claimed this event with the great Hurricane Fly in 2008 and the ill-fated Long Dog 12 months ago, runs Royal Bond runner-up Saturnas and runaway Thurles scorer Riven Light

The champion trainer's son and assistant, Patrick Mullins, said: "Saturnas has the stronger form, after finishing second in the Royal Bond.

"I'd say the slower ground might suit him - I think the softer the ground the better for him.

"Riven Light won in Thurles when another horse fell at the last when upsides him, but he looked to be going the better of the two.

"Saturnas can improve, but Riven Light is the unknown quantity.

"We had Avenir D'Une Vie last year and I think he could be hard to beat. He's a horse with an awful lot of class."

Jessica Harrington 's Sunni May who is two from two over hurdles, and fellow hat-trick seeker Brelade from Gordon Elliott's yard complete the line-up.