Europe in good shape following Clonmel

Henry de Bromhead reports Sizing Europe to be none the worse the day after his disappointing run in the Clonmel Oil Chase.

The popular chaser looked set for retirement after an emotional success in the Punchestown Festival in the spring, but connections brought him back and that decision was vindicated with a heart-warming success at Gowran Park last month.

He was expected to put it up to dual Cheltenham Festival hero Champagne Fever in Thursday’s Grade Two feature, but weakened out of contention having raced prominently and passed the post six of seven runners.