Bryan Cooper has been formally appointed as retained rider for leading owners Gigginstown House Stud.

Speculation began on New Year's Eve that then-retained and champion jockey Davy Russell would no longer be the number one for Michael O'Leary's formidable Gigginstown squad, which was later confirmed by both parties.

Cooper, who has already ridden a number of big-race winners for the team, soon emerged as the hot favourite for one of the biggest jobs in the sport, and O’Leary’s brother and Gigginstown’s racing manager Eddie O’Leary said on Friday afternoon: “I can confirm that Bryan Cooper will be our number one retainer.

“He’s a very good rider and I hope it will be the start of a long and happy association.”

There has been speculation that Ruby Walsh may now have first pick on the Gigginstown-owned horses in the care of champion trainer Willie Mullins, but O’Leary said: “That is not the case. Bryan will be the number one retainer for all our horses.”

O’Leary also revealed Russell would continue to ride for Gigginstown.

“Davy will continue to ride plenty for us. There has been no falling out of any kind,” he said.