Racing:Sizing Europe maintained his unbeaten record over fences with a hugely impressive display in the Buck House Novice Chase at Punchestown. Henry de Bromhead's charge was sent off as the 8-11 favourite to follow up a victory at the track back in May, and jumped brilliantly throughout under Andrew Lynch.
Harchibald, a five-time Grade One winner over hurdles, also put in a fine display of jumping on his first start over the larger obstacles but although he went in pursuit at the top of the straight, he could not reel in the long-time leader.
Sizing Europe, a fantastic winner of last year's AIG Europe Champion Hurdle, put in two assured leaps at the final two fences and passed the post 17 lengths ahead.
Lynch said: "That was unreal, he's a proper horse. Good horses jump for fun, that's what they do.
"He'll probably get three miles and he could be a Gold Cup horse next year."
De Bromhead said: "That's great. It's really exciting and great to have him back. Hopefully he'll progress from that and I'm just delighted.
"Andrew gave him a lovely ride. He was very sensible and there was no rush. I was a bit worried when we lost Sarteano as he was out in front a long time.
"It didn't seem to bother him though. He just loves jumping and was pricking his ears for the next one.
"Alan and Ann (Potts, owners) would love to go to Cheltenham in November and there is a Grade Two there on the Sunday, so I think that would be our next port of call.
"There is a Grade Two here on the same day but I think the owners have a few runners earmarked for Cheltenham.
"Hopefully then we will look at Christmas but I would be prefer to take every day as it comes.
"He has won over two and a half miles and two and a quarter today.
"He's an Irish Champion Hurdle winner and we'll stick to that kind of trip (two miles) at the moment.
"Hopefully we got all his troubles out of the way last season."
Noel Meade was over the moon with the performance of Harchibald, adding: "I'm delighted. The main thing was that he came back safe and sound.
"We wanted to see if he would take to them (fences) and he took to them well.
"Even two and a quarter miles is stretching him a little bit but fair play to the winner he's very good.
"We'll see how he comes out of this. He always takes a run to get him right. I was tempted to run on the Flat but thought it was better to get some experience."
Sky Bet halved the winner in price to 8/1 for the Arkle at Cheltenham and their spokesman Matt Doyle said: "He has always looked the type to make a better chaser and we want to keep him on side after such a slick round of jumping on the way to a facile victory."
Arkle outright betting, Sky Bet:7 Mikael D'Haguenet, 8 Sizing Europe, Crack Away Jack, 14 Tataniano, 16 Osana, Somersby, Medermit, 20 Snap Tie, Captain Cee Bee, Cousin Vinny, Jered