Sizing Rio putting in another great leap in Cork© Photo Healy Racing
An impressive round of jumping put the gloss on Sizing Rio #8217;s performance in the Grade 3 novice chase in Cork.
The five-year-old made all and turning for home had his rivals all off the bridle. He kept on powerfully for a 10-lengths success. He was backed from 9/4 to 13/8f on course. Clar Na Mionn got minor money in second at 6/1, two and a half lengths better off than Rogue Angel
There were three significant non-runners – Felix Yonger (going), Road To Riches (lame) and Sizing Machine (lame). This led to Ruby Walsh switching to Darroun and Davy Russell taking the mount on Rogue Angel.
Henry de Bromhead said: “That was great. It was good to go and see him do it as I always hoped he’d make a real nice chaser. Obviously a few of the more fancied horses came out but he jumped well and while he has loads of scope he needs to get his eye in a bit more.
“Obviously the Drinmore is a possibility but I felt I did too much with him over hurdles as he’s only a five-year-old and if I had to wait until Christmas I won’t be too bothered. There are very few options for him between now and Christmas.
“He won a Grade 3 over two miles as a four-year-old but I always thought of him as a three mile horse in time. I think he’ll handle better ground. Andrew gave him a super ride.”
Andrew Lynch reported: “He jumped super. He was a bit fresh early, but it’s only his second run over fences. He’s clever. I think two and a half miles is ideal on that ground.”
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
