Sacre seals Festival treble
This was a relatively easy victory, but certainly lacked the wow factor of Cheltenham and Aintree.
It is the end of a long campaign for Nicky Henderson’s magnificent gelding, however, and to win at all three of the festivals is a fine achievement.
Henderson made no secret subsequently that he very much had Sprinter Sacre at his peak for that scintillating success in the two-mile Champion Chase at Cheltenham. “This is special”, said Henderson, as Sprinter Sacre and Barry Geraghty were given a terrific reception on their return to the winner’s enclosure. “We love coming here. The Irish are a nation of horse lovers and we almost felt that we had to come (with Sprinter Sacre). I hope they enjoyed it.”
Sizing Europe set a strong pace, with Geraghty content to sit in his slipstream for much of the journey. Sprinter Sacre jumped impeccably, although getting in a trifle tight to the fourth last, and then joined issue with Sizing Europe two out. Soon in front, he had about a length advantage at the final fence, after Geraghty had to bustle him along.
But then this superb specimen buckled down and lengthened clear on the flat to score by five and a half lengths.
Said Henderson: “It takes a very, very good horse to do what he’s done. It may look like he has been having easy races, but you have to gallop and jump for two or two and a half miles and that is arduous.
“These are theatres and they take it out of you. Barry felt he was very sharp at Cheltenham, then less sharp at Aintree and less sharp again today.
“Fair play to Sizing Europe, who has set a real gallop. I hope everyone has enjoyed seeing him, that’s why we are here. The reception and appreciation he got was very special.
“I’m pleased that Corky (Browne), my head lad, who has been with us since the beginning in 1978, has come over.
“As his name suggest he’s from Cork and so it’s nice for him that Sprinter Sacre has won in his home country.”
Browne is originally from Carrigtwohill and revealed that it was his first ever visit to Punchestown.
Said Geraghty: “This was brilliant, Sizing Europe put it up to us and I had to work. But the heavy ground just didn’t suit my lad.
“It wasn’t easy for him, but we still put it to bed. His class got him through, it was a real test of stamina and he certainly doesn’t lack in that department.
“He popped the third last and I felt him take a blow, so had to fill him up and wait to come back on the bridle, which he did.
“It’s the best reception I’ve had. I haven’t seen anything like it since Desert Orchid won the Irish Grand National, when I was nine or ten. It was crazy in the winner’s enclosure.”
Sizing Europe was the recipient of generous applause on his way back and trainer, Henry de Bromhead, was justifiably proud. Said de Bromhead: “He’s a horse who is loved everywhere. We decided to throw the kitchen sink at your man (Sprinter Sacre), but he was awesome, incredible. At least we got him off the bridle today.”
