Europe finally delivers on the biggest stage
Ever since he folded dramatically in the Champion Hurdle here two years earlier, there has been a giant question mark against Henry de Bromhead's eight-year-old.
But de Bromhead never lost faith and all his hopes and dreams were finally realised, after Andrew Lynch had ridden an inspired race.
"This is phenomenal'', said the particularly popular de Bromhead. "There's a big team involved and so much work has been put in. The owners are so loyal, we have all been rewarded today.''
Sizing Europe travelled and jumped beautifully and was left in front two out when Mad Max made a bad mistake.
He now had every chance to fold again, but this time Sizing Europe was in no mood to bend the knee.
He roared acrosss the last and then kept going gallantly, as Somersby closed with every stride.
"This will take a long time to sink in'', continued de Bromhead. "Andrew got a leap out of him at the top of the hill the like of which I have never seen in my life.
"It's a fantastic feeling, I let such a roar out of me as he crossed the line. He is a stronger and better horse this season.
"I'm never confident, all I wanted was to get here. We have been disappointed here before, but that's the true him.
"There has always been a valid reason why he was beaten, he's put us on the map and is like one of our children.
"He ran with the choke out a bit today, but is probably better that way than when he is held up and put to sleep.
"He had problems with the ligaments in his back when he ran in the Champion Hurdle and had some silly problems last year, but we got him right and have learnt a lot.''
The future for Sizing Europe? "We'll celebrate and talk to the owners, but we will probably aim him to Punchestown.''
Lynch said: "Sizing Europe jumped super, the best he has ever jumped. I was a bit concerned about getting there too soon, but he was going so well.
"I knew he was back to his best, I rode him last week and he has never worked better.''
Sizing Europe is owned by Ann and Alan Potts, who celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary yesterday.
Osana ran a fine race to claim third for Edward O'Grady and Andrew McNamara. Said O'Grady: "It's taken me time to get to know the horse, he's gross and takes a lot of work.''
Captain Cee Bee, heavily backed in the ring, proved most disappointing. He got low at the first couple of fences and seemed to be struggling to close down the leaders when getting it wrong again three out.
There were extenuating circumstances, however, as he was found to have burst a blood vessel, as he did at Aintree previously.
