John gets the job done on debut over fences

Sizing John got the job done on his debut over fences, winning the Download The BETDAQ App Beginners Chase in good style.

A Grade 1 winner over flights last year, the Henry De Bromhead trained gelding was third in the Supreme Novices behind Douvan, before finishing second to the same rival at the Punchestown Festival in April.

Sent off the 2/11 favourite today he jumped well throughout and tracked the leader in the early stages.

He was sent to the front by Jonathan Burke after the fourth and was given a slap down the shoulder before two out.

He was pushed along after that fence and soon went clear, keeping on well on the run-in to score by seven and a half lengths in the colours of owners Ann and Alan Potts. Mr Diablo (6/1) finished second under Luke Dempsey for his father Philip, while Balnagon Boy was a further three and three parts of a length back in third.

Henry De Bromhead said afterwards: "I was delighted with his jumping, it was brilliant and he got a great ride.

"I wouldn't be opposed to stepping him up in trip in time but for the moment we'll look at the Craddockstown back here over two miles. It's a race I like.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him over further in time as I think he'll stay.

"Historically our horses are usually better over fences and with the way he jumps you'd be hopeful with him. He's a big raw horse still and he's still only five.

"He wouldn't want either extremes of ground. The day Douvan hockeyed him in Gowran it was heavy but he got a lot closer to him at Cheltenham on better ground and I think he's better on better ground."

Jonathan Burke added: "He was foot perfect. He looked a chaser all last year and we were really looking forward to putting him over them.

"His schooling was very good and he showed it today, he was brilliant.

"He is a very lazy type and in a better race with better horses they will help him along. I'd say he will never go away and win so impressive, he is just going to do what is needed.

"Off the bend I just gave him a smack down the shoulder and he was instantly away. He winged the second last and he was good over the last as well.

"Hopefully he can go on to bigger and better things over fences now.

"He is after filling no end this year and he is a beautiful horse."

Sizing John remains unchanged at 16/1 with Paddy Power for the Arkle, while he is also unchanged at 12's for the JLT.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson