Australia has the answers
Even though the race had gone for export in all six previous runnings, that didn’t deter punters from latching onto the British hope Maljimar
Nick Williams’ horse was sent off the 9-2 favourite for the three-mile seven-furlong contest and he travelled ominously well under Wexford-born Daryl Jacob.
Cruising up to challenge for the lead in the home-straight, he looked set to finally put an end to the Irish dominance of the race.
But his petrol tank quickly dropped to zero, and it was Sizing Australia, who had raced prominently throughout, who found most when facing the famous Cheltenham hill.
Garde Champetre, twice a winner of this race, went in pursuit but he was unable to reel in Sizing Australia and Andrew Lynch, who held on for a length and a quarter triumph.
Lynch said: ``Last year we were unlucky when we were knocked over turning in, but he's very gutsy.
“He’s only a young horse compared to Enda Bolger’s horse. He’s done it well today and he jumps for fun.”
De Bromhead said: ``It's brilliant and he deserved it. He's been placed a few times and it's great to get it for Alan and Ann (Potts, owners).
“He got hampered last year but we didn’t make enough use of him and that was my fault.
“I told Andrew to ride him however he wants today and it just show you should leave it to the jockey!”
Garde Champetre's trainer Enda Bolger said: ``He's run his heart out and it just shows how tough he is. He had a lot of weight today.”
