THE Leopardstown Christmas Chase on Thursday lived up to its billing. The finish may not have been contested by the expected horses, but it was still a thriller, and it was won by a young progressive horse who may not be finished progressing yet.

Yorkhill was too keen for his own good on his first attempt at three miles under rules and Sizing John just didn’t give his running. This wasn’t the Sizing John that we know. Robbie Power’s hands were niggling away a little as they raced up past the stands with a circuit to go and that looked ominous. Jessica Harrington’s had an off day, horses have them too you know, and he will surely bounce back.