Sizing John claimed victory in a thrilling renewal of the Stan James Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
Placed behind the mighty Douvan on no less than seven previous occasions, the seven-year-old formerly trained by Henry de Bromhead claimed his first win since joining Jessica Harrington in last month's Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles.
Sent off at 100-30 for what was his first appearance over three miles, Sizing John travelled powerfully as Don Poli and Road To Riches duelled up front.
As Road To Riches faded, Don Poli led the field into the straight, but Harrington's charge was travelling ominously well in behind and hit the front with a huge leap at the final fence.
Don Poli and stable companion Empire Of Dirt attempted to bridge the gap, but Sizing John galloped all the way to the line to prevail by three-quarters of a length.
Empire Of Dirt narrowly beat 9-4 favourite Don Poli to the runner-up spot, with Carlingford Lough, winner of the last two renewals of the Grade One showpiece, only fourth on this occasion.
Harrington said of her winner: "He was just brilliant. He was still cantering turning in, as far as I could see, and when he asked him he quickened up. I know he didn't win very far, but he still won and he wasn't stopping.
"It's my first runner in the Irish Gold Cup and my first winner. It's very exciting.
"I'd say we'll be going for the Gold Cup. I don't know, as I haven't spoken to Alan and Ann (Potts, owners) yet.
"He looks like a three-mile chaser rather than a two-miler. Seven times he's been beaten by Douvan, second five times and third twice.
"He's in all three races at Cheltenham so we'll see what happens. He'll be coming out of the Champion Chase though!"
Power, who had rushed back from injury to ride the winner, having ruptured a disc in his back at Gowran Park on 26 January, said: "We were in a good position as we hadn't gone quick and I always think that when you don't go quick, the first one to commit is in the best position.
"I think he will have learnt a lot from this race today. He'll have learnt to relax a bit better and I've thought, from the first day I rode him here at Christmas, that he stays well. He galloped the whole way to the line."
Sizing John gives trainer Jessica Harrington and jockey Robbie Power their first wins in the Irish Gold Cup. pic.twitter.com/O0z5xmsqRN
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 12, 2017
