Sizing John On Course For Autumn Return

Jockey Robbie Power says he expects Sizing John to make his competitive return in November after taking him out on the gallops. The 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner has been on the sidelines since the discovery of a hairline non-displaced fracture just a matter of weeks before he defended his title at Prestbury Park.

The eight-year-old, who made his last appearance at Leopardstown towards the end of December, has been slowly working his way back to full fitness and was reunited with regular partner Power this week.

Power, himself going through his own recovery plan after shoulder surgery, is impressed with the way Jessica Harrington’s charge is shaping up and has predicted an early winter comeback.

In his Boylesports blog, he wrote: “He was in great form when I rode out on him, he looks fantastic and was moving well. He’s come back in great shape and, while he’s just doing steady cantering at the moment, he got a good grip and put my shoulder up to a good test.

“I’d imagine we’d see him back at the track in November because there are plenty of opportunities at the likes of Navan or Down Royal. It won’t be before that. We’ll just take it one day at a time and see how his progress goes.”