Rising star Bryan Cooper described it as a "great honour" to be formally appointed as retained rider for leading owners Gigginstown House Stud.

The 21-year-old has long been talked of as a potential champion jockey of the future and enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, highlighted by a magnificent Cheltenham Festival treble featuring Triumph Hurdle glory aboard Our Conor.

Gigginstown's admiration was clear as he rode the Mouse Morris-trained First Lieutenant on a number of occasions, including a keynote victory during Aintree's Grand National meeting.

He has continued to ride a number of horses for the team this season, landing the Champion Chase aboard Gordon Elliott's Roi Du Mee and when it emerged on New Year's Eve then-retained rider and champion jockey Davy Russell was to lose the Gigginstown No.1 role, Cooper emerged as the hot favourite to take over.

Gigginstown manager Eddie O'Leary, brother of owner and Ryanair supremo Michael O'Leary, confirmed the appointment on Friday afternoon, and Cooper was understandably thrilled.

"It's a great honour to have been asked. I've had a good bit of success for the team over the last two or three years and it's great to get the call-up," Cooper said.

"It's a great team, with a great team of horses. Hopefully we can get off to a good start and keep the ball rolling."