Europe shines in Buck House

Sizing Europe looks destined for the very top over fences after a brilliant performance in the Buck House Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Henry de Bromhead's charge was foot perfect in the 2m2f contest as he sauntered to a 17-length success.

Andrew Lynch was left in front six out on the Irish Champion Hurdle winner as leader Sarteano crashed out.

He had far too many gears for his rivals in the straight, asked to quicken away before the last and soon stamping his authority on proceedings. Harchibald emerged with plenty of credit on his debut over fences, chasing the winner home.

"That's great. It's really exciting and great to have him back. Hopefully he'll progress from that and I'm just delighted," said de Bromhead.

"Andrew gave him a lovely ride. He was very sensible and there was no rush. I was a bit worried when we lost Sarteano as he was out in front a long time.

"It didn't seem to bother him though. He just loves jumping and was pricking his ears for the next one.

"Ann and Alan (Potts) would love to go to Cheltenham next month for the two mile race and it will be either there or back here.

"Hopefully then we will look at Christmas but I would be prefer to take every day as it comes.

"He has won over 2m4f and 2m2f today. He's an Irish Champion Hurdle winner and we'll stick to that kind of trip (2m) at the moment.

"Hopefully we got all his troubles out of the way last season."

Lynch said: "That was unreal, he's a proper horse. Good horses jump for fun, that's what they do.

"He'll probably get three miles and he could be a Gold Cup horse next year."

Noel Meade was over the moon with the performance of Harchibald on his chase debut:

"I'm delighted. The main thing was that he came back safe and sound."

"We wanted to see if he would take to them (fences) and he took to them well. Even 2m2f is stretching him a little bit but fair play to the winner he's very good.

"We'll see how he comes out of this. He always takes a run to get him right. I was tempted to run on the Flat but thought it was better to get some experience."