Sizing Europe retirement confirmed

Trainer Henry de Bromhead has confirmed the immediate retirement of his legendary charge Sizing Europe.

The 13-year-old has enjoyed a hugely distinguished career, winning 22 of his 45 races and placing on a further 13 occasions, and the bay gelding has earned over £1.3million in prize money.

The sire of Pistolet Bleu won the Irish Champion Hurdle back in 2008, clinched the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Gowran Park Champion Chase in 2011, before winning the latter on another three occasions.

Sizing Europe was disappointing in his final two outings at Clonmel and Cheltenham, finishing sixth and seventh respectively, and the margin of defeat was the reason for retiring the horse.

Bromhead revealed there was a big discussion with the owners and, on reflection, he felt the decision to call it a day was the right one.

“After discussing things with Ann and Alan Potts (owners), we've decided to retire Sizing Europe,” the trainer tweeted. “There's been too many highlights to pinpoint one and he really has been the horse of a lifetime for all involved.

“We're delighted he retires in one piece, and hopefully he'll take part in the racehorse to riding horse shows in the future.”