Europe sizes up the Arkle

Sizing Europe made up for a couple of previous disappointments at the Cheltenham Festival by landing the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase in fine style for Henry de Bromhead and Andrew Lynch.

The Pistolet Bleu gelding pulled a back muscle when favourite for the Champion Hurdle in 2008, and was withdrawn from the race last year after suffering from transit fever.

However he has never looked back since being sent over fences this season, and made it five wins from as many chase starts when landing the spoils here at 6/1.

Mad Max (Paul Carberry) relinquished the lead when blundering badly two out leaving Sizing Europe in front, and Lynch's mount made the best of his way home from this point.

Somersby (4/1) finished best of all but couldn't close the gap on Sizing Europe who scored by three quarters of a length, with Osana (14/1) another length and three quarters back in third.

“He seemed to travel brilliant and jumped great. Andrew gave him a fantastic ride. He loves to be fresh, so we got our runs and experience before Christmas,” said a delighted de Bromhead afterwards.

"I am never confident, but we came here with the horse in his best form and we saw the true him today. It has taken a phenomenal effort from the team. He could go to Punchestown and I would say he could possibly go over further. We will have to discuss all these things, but will celebrate tonight first."

Captain Cee Bee made a couple of mistakes, and was being ridden along from three out. The 5/2 favourite finished eighth, and was found to have burst a blood vessel.

Sizing Europe is now 6/1 from 12/1 for next year's Champion Chase at Cheltenham. Master Minded is currently the 7/4 favourite.