Punchestown:Sizing Europe made the perfect start to life over fences with a smooth success in the Evening Meetings At Punchestown Beginners Chase. Things have not always gone to plan for Henry de Bromhead's seven-year-old since his win in the 2008 AIG Champion Hurdle, but he looks made for the bigger obstacles and oozed class on this occasion.
With Denis O’Regan on board, the 4-5 favourite was never stretched at any stage and strolled home with four and a half lengths to spare.
“He was good there, for his first time over fences at Punchestown I thought he was very good. Denis said he was electric to jump and I suppose he looked it," De Bromhead said afterwards.
“I was very worried about running him over two and a half miles and the heavy ground.”
He added: “I suppose there is not really a whole lot of options for him, so I will have to speak to his owner and decide where to go next.”
Last year’s Cheltenham Bumper third Zaarito has not had much luck this term and after falling at the last when firmly in contention at the Festival meeting here last month, he could only manage third behind Noble Prince (9-4) and Uimhiraceathair in the Punchestown For Exhibitions Hurdle.
Winning trainer Paul Nolan said of Noble Prince: “He’s a nice, progressive sort and I think he’s a better horse on better ground and the better pace would suit him more. He’s a very nice horse.”