Sizing Europe and Andrew Lynch 'ping' another one© Photo Healy Racing
Sizing Europe showed that most or all of his talent remains intact with a convincing victory in the Grade 1 Boylesports.com Champion Chase at Punchestown under Andrew Lynch.
Owner Alan Potts suggested strongly afterwards that his star twelve-year-old could have run his final race, after he'd travelled and jumped with aplomb throughout this two miler, going on to win his race in the straight.
The 7/1 chance crossed the line five and a half lengths in front of English challenger Ballynagour Savello finished a head off him in third.
The race lost some of its lustre when favourite Hidden Cyclone fell at the fifth. Second market choice Module was badly hampered here and pulled up.
Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "He's an amazing horse and he got a fantastic ride from Andrew.
"He loved the ground and he was just deadly today. Everything came together. He loves this place.
"We felt at home that there was still a big performance in him but we weren't getting it on the track.
"Maybe it was the ground but it all came together today.
"We'll see – he's just won a Grade 1. It's not up to me it's entirely up to Alan and Ann (Potts) as to whether we continue on with him now.
"He was running away with him around there – he didn't look like a fella that wanted to finish.
"He's been a superstar for us. I've been saying for years that we've been so lucky to have him. Any day you win a Grade 1 it's super.
"At his age to show such enthusiasm is brilliant."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Somersby trained by Mick Channon (in GB), at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Samples were taken for analysis.
A.P. McCoy, rider of Somersby, trained by Mick Channon (in GB), reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount raced reluctantly and jumped poorly.
(GC & EM)
