Murphy handed Europe chance

TIMMY Murphy will replace the injured Andrew Lynch on Sizing Europe at Punchestown next week.

Lynch took a heavy fall from Fearless Falcon in the Weatherbys Ireland GSB Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Tuesday.

The jockey had been enjoying his best season to date, riding two winners at the Cheltenham Festival, including Sizing Europe in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Murphy has ridden Sizing Europe to victory before, in the Greatwood Hurdle of 2007, and was back among the big winners in the Bet365 Gold Cup last weekend with Poker De Sivola.

“Unfortunately the results of Andrew‘s X-rays this morning have confirmed that he’s broken his left wrist and fractured his right humerus,” trainer Henry de Bromhead told his website.

“This means he won’t be able to ride Sizing Europe at Punchestown next week. It’s a great shame for Andrew as he knows the horse inside out and he’s got on so well with him so far this term.

“We spoke with Alan and Ann Potts (owners) on Wednesday morning about who will replace Andrew and I’m happy to say that Timmy Murphy will take the ride.

“We’ve also asked Timmy to deputise on the majority of our runners next week and hopefully he’ll be free to do so.”

Meanwhile Mouse Morris hopes to have China Rock back in training next season as the gelding continues to recover from an injury he picked up in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

The eight-year-old was in the process of running a big race when he suffered a problem with a tendon.

China Rock, who was second to Kempes in the Growise Novice Chase at last year’s Punchestown Festival, has since undergone a form of cell regeneration on his off fore.

“He’s doing well and should be coming back in about another two or three weeks. I’m very hopeful that he’ll be back in action next season,” said Morris.

The Fethard trainer also reports First Lieutenant to be in good form as he prepares the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle winner for the Punchestown Festival.

“Everything has gone to plan and he’ll run in the two-and-a-half-miler (Cathal Ryan Memorial Champion Novice Hurdle) at Punchestown next Friday. We gave him 10 days off after Cheltenham and he’s in great form,” added Morris.