Breath-taking Europe dazzles at Clonmel

From five out the writing was on the wall for Sizing Europe s rivals, he was in front from before the next and he more than lived up to his star-billing when pummelling his four opponents from there home in the Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase.

On his first appearance in public at Powerstown Park, Sizing Europe put up as good a performance as has likely ever been seen at the famous old venue, to take his score over two and a half miles to four out of four. He eventually sauntered home an unflattering twenty lengths to the good from Magnanimity

Sizing Europe's trainer Henry de Bromhead (his father Harry won this event 20 years ago with Fissure Seal) was obviously thrilled, saying: "Wow - that's all I can say. I say it every time but I'm so lucky to have him and he nearly seems to be getting better and was brilliant there.

"Andrew (Lynch, winning jockey) said he was running away with him at times coming down the hill. I'm the same as Alan (Potts, victorious owner), I'd love to see him on good ground over three miles.

"I know he is a way better horse on better ground and I don't want to see him in a slog.

"His next run is ground dependent but he'll have three entries at Christmas, the King George, the Lexus and the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet.

"I'm ruling the Tingle Creek out. The King George is a race that Alan would love to have a go at and we'll have to give it serious consideration.

"This season he is jumping so much better at the slower pace."

Andrew Lynch is pinching himself, following on from his Flemenstar win on Sunday and he said: "It was unreal – the more you pull out of him the more he wants to go. He has plenty of options now after that."

Paddy Power go 10/1 from 12s about Sizing Europe for the King George.

Stan James go 14/1 from 20s about Sizing Europe for the King George.

The same firm make him an 11/2 shot (from 6s) for the Champion Chase and 10/1 (from 14s) for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham. (TW & EM)