Bryan Cooper partnered a potentially hugely significant winner at Fairyhouse today on the Dessie Hughes trained and Gigginstown House Stud owned Lieutenant Colonel in the opening New Year Maiden Hurdle.

Cooper is widely expected to take over the job as retained rider at Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud, following yesterday's, in effect, sacking of Davy Russell, and did his prospects of landing the plum job no harm when steering Lieutenant Colonel (1/1f) to an easy 14 lengths win.

Afterwards Hughes briefly strolled down memory lane and said “I'd my first ever winner (Church Island) in this race in 1980 and rode it myself!”

He added “he (Lieutenant Colonel) improved from his run at Navan and is a decent horse; the horse that beat him then looks a fair horse.

“He looked to stay well and is great jumper; the majority of their horses (Gigginstown House Stud) jump exceptionally well and he should be able to compete in a few of the novices after that.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson