'Elderly' Europe wins Gowran's Champ Chase

Sizing Europe clocked up win number 20 in a remarkable career when landing the Grade 2 PWC Champion Chase at Gowran today for adoring trainer Henry De Bromhead and jockey Andrew Lynch.

The 2011 Champion Chaser raced prominently throughout the 2m4f contest, improving past Rubi Light to lead at the second last. From there, Lynch kept the rising 12 year old going for a length and a quarter win over Baily Green with Rubi Light a neck away in third.

Both Gigginstown House Stud runners Roi Du Mee and Quito De La Roque fell at the second last fence when well held but both were subsequently fine.

Following this latest win (on his 38th start), De Bromhead admitted his stable star is now “definitely representing the elderly!” but also expressed his delight with the display, with his mind also fixed on future plans.

He added “that was great and every time he (Sizing Europe) runs it's a relief as you are thinking that some time he will show he's not up to it as much as he was. I say it everytime but we're so lucky to train him; he's incredible.

“The work he's doing at home is great and the lads can't hold him! He loves it and Rosemary, who does the Flat work on him, writes notes everyday and they just say 'he's in super form'!

“Andrew (Lynch) said he gave a nice blow at the second last and he should improve a nice bit. I wouldn't mind stepping him up now and giving him another crack at three miles on good ground.

“He deserves another shot at the race in the north (James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase at Down Royal) as he was second to Kauto Star in it and just lost out to Quito De La Roque.

“There are so many other races but he might just be a bit slow for two miles now. I thought Baily Green ran savage and it was a good advertisement for last year's novices.”

Afterwards, Baily Green's trainer Mouse Morris stated "I'm thrilled with him. I don't know where he'll go now but he wouldn't run on heavy ground. Navan maybe (Fortria Chase).”

Rubi Light's trainer Robbie Hennessy also later reported "I'm delighted with him and we could maybe look at the John Durkan with him. We'll go home and see how he is before making a decision.

“Barry said he gave a good blow at the last and he also gave a good blow in the yard which is good. He had terrible back trouble last year but it looks like he's over that now."

By Thomas Weekes,quotes from Gary Carson