Andrew Lynch.

Europe wins again for Lynch

Ashbourne jockey Andrew Lynch continues to make the headlines with big race victories and at Punchestown on Sunday was on the mark with champion chaser Sizing Europe. Lynch made all the running as Sizing Europe romped to a 15-length victory in the grade two Boylesports.com Tied Cottage Chase ahead of great rival Big Zeb and Robert Power. The duo are likely to renew their great rivalry at Cheltenham next month with Sizing Europe currently quoted at 5/4 favourite to defend his crown while Big Zeb, the 2010 champion at the Festival, is on offer at around 7/1. Looking ahead to the big Cheltenham event, local trainer Gordon Elliott will be aiming for the Foxhunter Chase with Backstage following a couple of point-to-point wins this year. A return to Aintree is on the agenda, but the main target is the Foxhunter Chase and after point-to-point wins at Tinahealy last month and Ballydarragh on Sunday, the 10-year-old is shaping up nicely for Cheltenham. Prior to that, Elliott will be heading for Leopardstown on Sunday where Jessies Dream will make a seasonal debut in the Hennessy Gold Cup. Noel Meade will not run Naas winner Monksland on Sunday and will instead head for Cheltenham. The Castletown handler unveiled another potential star at Down Royal last week when Fickle Fortune won the bumper for Nina Carberry and could now head for the mares' bumper at Aintree.