Jockey Bryan Cooper made a winning return from injury at Fairyhouse today, when landing the opening Christmas Parties At Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle on the Gigginstown House Stud owned Avenir D'Une Vie which made a winning debut for new trainer Henry De Bromhead.

Cooper fractured his right arm in a fall at the same venue on October 8 but today enjoyed better fortune when steering the son of Lavirco to an easy four and a half lengths win over Aussie Reigns

Aussie Reigns represents trainer Willie Mullins and indeed Avenir D'Une Vie was himself trained by Mullins until late September when the Champion Trainer split with Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud.

Following today's win De Bromhead later stated “we knew on his bumper form that he was a class horse, and he jumped really well.

“He coped well with that two miles but a step up in trip would not bother him and he obviously loves jumping. I’ll have to speak to Michael and Eddie (O’Leary) before deciding where he goes next.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee