There was just racemeeting in this country last week and that was Sunday’s (February 3rd) Punchestown fixture. All eyes were focused on Sizing Europe in the Grade 2 Boylesports.com Tied Cottage Chase over two miles and Henry de Bromhead’s stable star didn’t disappoint for he had little difficulty in justifying 1/8 favouritism under regular partner Andrew Lynch.
Also victorious in this same race 12 months ago when beating the now-retired Big Zeb by 15 lengths, Sizing Europe made all the running and the 171-rated chaser eased clear on the run to the final fence to comfortably defeat Foildubh by ten lengths with a 13-length break to the third-placed mare Blazing Tempo.
Sizing Europe now has a choice of engagements at the Cheltenham festival between the Queen Mother Champion Chase, in which he finished second to Finian’s Rainbow last season, or else the Ryanair Chase over two miles five furlongs. Whatever race he goes for, Sizing Europe has been a credit to owners’ Ann & Alan Potts partnership over the years and trainer De Bromhead also deserves particular praise for his handling and placing of the marvellous 11-year-old.
