Sizing John lands Kinloch Brae

Sizing John got the better of Sub Lieutenant to land the Ladbrokes Ireland Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles.

Smashing made much of the running under Mark Enright but Sizing John and Sub Lieutenant were well-placed to mount a challenge and it was the latter who made the first move, hitting the front before the home turn.

David Mullins looked to be in control of proceedings aboard the favour approaching the last fence but when Robbie Power asked Sizing John to quicken up the 3-1 shot responded, taking it up on the extended run-in - the final fence was omitted following Philip Enright’s fall on the first circuit- to score by two-and-a-half lengths.

"When I rode him in Leopardstown over two miles - I know Douvan was in there - I was flat to the boards the whole way," Power explained.

"This time he was so laid-back the whole way. I knew I had plenty left and he has that bit of speed, as well. I knew when I gave him a squeeze he'd pick up and he galloped all the way to the line. He's so lazy in a race, I think he'd get any trip. The Ryanair Chase looks made for him this year, I'd imagine."

Sizing John holds entries in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase and Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup but he could end up going for the Ryanair Chase.

"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," winning trainer Jessica Harrington said.

"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 (Potts, owners) 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 but we will have to wait and see."

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