Sizing Europe (Andrew Lynch) is clear over the last© Photo Healy Racing
< Sizing Europe looks set for another big season after returning to action with an impressive victory in the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran Park.
With China Rock and Joncol absentees from the two-and-a-half-mile contest, Andrew Lynch settled the Henry de Bromhead-trained 11-10 favourite in second place as I Hear A Symphony took them along.
Sizing Europe took command at the second-last fence, where he was slightly awkward, and he had no trouble easing seven and a half lengths clear of Forpadydeplaster for a cosy success.
Noel Meade's 14-1 shot Protaras emerged victorious from an eventful running of the Gowran Park Racing Club 2013 Beginners Chase, which changed complexion at the third-last fence.
Long-time leader Lord Ben unseated at that point and challengers Nearest The Pin and Keep It Cool were hampered, with Paul Carberry steering an uneventful path through to win by two and a half lengths.
The Gordon Elliott-trained Fisher made it two from two over obstacles with a cosy victory in the Kilkenny 3-Y-O Hurdle, although supporters of the 1-4 favourite suffered minor worries before the odds were landed.< Boss's Star threatened to spoil the party when he closed up after the last, but Barry Geraghty was always going best and soon had things back under control before easing across the line half a length clear.
Willie Mullins' Cork bumper winner Digeanta (6-1) made a successful transition to jumping in the Golf Membership At Gowran Park 2013 Maiden Hurdle, but he got going late and Ruby Walsh only claimed the prize on the line, edging out Yes Way Hosay by a nose.
The champion trainer doubled up when Bundle Of Fun (7-1) ran on strongly for Paul Townend to take the Con Murphy And Paddy Hunt Memorial Handicap Chase by a length and a half.
The jockey was also completing a double after a well-timed challenge on Tom Taaffe's Heaney (9-2 favourite), who defied a 7lb hike in the ratings to land the Follow Gowran Park On Facebook Handicap Hurdle by three-quarters of a length.