Europe lucky winner on Gowran return

Sizing Europe was gifted victory on his return to action in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Champion Chase at Gowran Park this afternoon. Rubi Light looked set to make all in the Grade 2 event until crashing out at the final fence and leaving the Champion Chaser in front.

Three turned into the straight in contention in the two-and-a-half mile contest after Rubi Light had taken them along. Coolcashin was the first under pressure and Andrew Lynch started to send out distress signals on Sizing Europe at the third last.

Last year's Queen Mother Chase hero was making no impression from the next fence and was booked for second when left in the lead at the last.

Henry de Bromhead's star had to be kept up to his work on the run-in to post a length-and-three-parts win over Coolcashin.

The winner had been easy to back on course, sent off the even-money favourite after opening up 5/6.

"No-one wants to win a race like that and he was very fortuitous," said de Bromhead afterwards.

"The lad in front (Rubi Light) is a very good horse and a course and distance winner as well. He was always going to put it up to us.

"Sizing Europe never jumped a fence today and Andrew said he was slipping going into each fence.

"The James Nicholson Chase at Down Royal next month is a possibility for him now."

Rubi Light was remounted after his final fence fall to finish a remote third.

Gary Carson