Sizing John steps up in Kinloch Brae

Sizing John appreciated the step up to two and a half miles to land the Ladbrokes Ireland Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles.

The seven-year-old gelding was placed behind Douvan for the sixth time in his career when reappearing in the Paddy Power Cashcard Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting. Sub Lieutenant led approaching the straight in this Grade 3 2m4f event but was challenged by the Jessica Harrington-trained Sizing John approaching the omitted final fence (due to the earlier fall of Letter Of Credit .

Robert Power ’s mount stayed on strongly inside the final 100 yards and was a comfortable two and a half lengths ahead at the line. Black Hercules was a further 12 lengths back in third.

Phillip Enright was stood down for the remainder of the day after his fall from Letter Of Credit.

Harrington said, “He was very relaxed all the way through the race, and Robert said when he popped the fence after turning into the straight that he was always going to pick up.

“I’m delighted with him stepping up to two and a half miles, and he got the trip very well. I’ll have to speak with Alan and Ann to see where we go next with him. He has an entry in the Irish Gold Cup or he could go to the Red Mills at Gowran, and he’s in every race at Cheltenham.

“You would imagine he is likely to go for the Ryanair put we will have to wait and see.”

Paddy Power cut him to 10/1 (from 16/1) for the Ryanair Chase.

The Irish Gold Cup next? Sizing John gallops on powerfully to nab Sub Lieutenant and land the Kinloch Brae Chase at @thurlesraces: pic.twitter.com/lNgKzw5iFF

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 19, 2017