Staying power!

Robbie and sizing John storm into history books with gold cup treble

SIZING John galloped into history yesterday to complete a unique treble at Punchestown. Jessica Harrington’s stable star became the first horse to win the Cheltenham, Punchestown and Irish Gold Cups in the same season. Ridden by the magnificent Robbie “Puppy” Power, Sizing John pipped Ruby Walsh on Willie Mullins’ Djakadam. Robbie said: “Irish people really appreciate a good horse and that’s what he is, a great horse. To win three Gold Cups is very special.” A delighted Harrington added: “He’s the first horse I’ve ran in three Gold Cups, let alone winning them.” Power’s wife Hannah added: “I actually don’t [ find it hard watching him race]. I never found it hard. “It’s his job and what he chose to do so you can’t be fretting.” Meanwhile, our columnist Bryan Cooper had his backers reaching for the bubbly after winning The Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle. The Gordon Elliott-trained Champagne Classic came in at 14-1 for Ryanair owner Michael O’leary. Jockey Cooper said: “The better ground has definitely brought out the best in him. “Gordon prepped him really well. He was a good winner at the Cheltenham Festival and has made the step up to Grade One company and done it well. He is a fantastic horse.” Airline chief O’leary added: “That’s not bad from the worst horse I have. I’m going to start insulting my horses more as it seems to stimulate them.” Trainer Elliott said: “It’s a nice surprise.” He even added to the win when Fayonagh landed The Racing Post Champion I.N.H Flat Race. The victories left him well ahead of Willie Mullins in the Trainers Championship battle. Punters endured a bad opening day but clawed their way back when favourites Sizing John and Fayonagh won at 9/10 and 11/8 respectively. Hayley O’connor of Ladbrokes said: “The first three favourites getting beaten left us well in front, then punters fought back with Sizing John in the big race, followed by the popular Fayonagh. We’ve seen a couple of photo finishes today but we’re hoping we’ll finish in front.” Paddy Power’s Feilim Mac An Iomaire added: “Punters’ pockets were plummeting almost as much as the temperatures until Sizing John justified odds-on favouritism.” Meanwhile, former Xpose presenter Aisling O’loughlin, who was on judging duty for the best dressed contest, said she was shocked to see Ruth O’neill quit the show but insisted she would not returning in her place. She said: “It was a surprise but you’ve got to follow your heart and trust your instincts and I wish her the very best. “She’s got the world at her feet, she’s a fabulous girl and I could understand her wishing to go back to LA.” And for the second day, red caught the eye of Aisling and her fellow judges as Sophie Edghill was crowned the best dressed lady. The 20-year-old trainee teacher in St Pat’s in Drumcondra, North Dublin, said: “I’m delighted. I can’t believe it. It’s great.”