SIZING EUROPE SURVIVES SCARE

January 21 2010

Sizing Europe on his way to victory.

Sizing Europe maintained his unbeaten record over fences in the Grade One Board na Mona - With Nature Novice Chase at Leopardstown - but not without a scare.

Henry de Bromhead's seven-year-old had taken over at the head of affairs from the front-running Osana on the journey to the second-last fence and all appeared to be going smoothly.

However, Mark Walsh, riding 2008 Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Captain Cee Bee, had bided his time on Edward Harty's chestnut and produced his mount to challenge at the last.

Apparently travelling the stronger, Captain Cee Bee unfortunately clipped the top of the fence and crashed to the ground, leaving Sizing Europe (evens favourite) to come home five and a half lengths clear of the slightly disappointing Osana to give Andrew Lynch another big-race winner.

Lynch said: "It was workmanlike more than anything else and he didn't jump as well as he normally does, not with the same fluency.

"For some reason today he was hesitant. We had a bit of luck on our side with Captain Cee Bee falling, but you never know what would have happened.

"I had to use my lad earlier than I wanted to, just to get him jumping. I was in front longer than ideal as it is a long run-in at Leopardstown.

"I think he would have picked up a bit more, but whether he would have picked up enough (to beat Captain Cee Bee) you don't know.

"I think you'll see a different horse at Cheltenham."

De Bromhead added: "I'm delighted with that. He didn't jump as well as normal today, but he did jump well when it mattered.

"I was very worried coming down to the last, but he jumped it well. He is best when fresh. We will enjoy today before making future plans."

Initially William Hill cut Captain Cee Bee to 12-1 from 16s but interest at that price saw a further cut to 9s for the Arkle in March. Sizing Europe was trimmed a point into 4-1 by totesport.

Sky Bet left the winner unchanged at 5/1 for the Arkle and cut Captain Cee Bee to 6/1 from 16s.