[5] Sizing John is a dark bay gelding with tiny white socks on his hind legs, bred in North Yorkshire, England by Bryan & Sandra Mayoh of Eskdale Stud.

[8] Sizing John's dam La Perrotine was a French-bred mare who showed some ability on the track, winning one National Hunt Flat race and three times over hurdles.

In December he was stepped up in class for the Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown Racecourse and started the 11/1 outsider in a five-runner field headed by Nichols Canyon.

On his final appearance of the season he faced Douvan again in the Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown in April and was beaten seven and a half lengths into second by his rival.

Sizing John began the 2015/2016 National Hunt season by competing in novice chases and made a successful debut over fences by winning at Punchestown in October at odds of 2/11.

He disputed the lead from the start, drew clear of his opponents approaching the final fence and won "comfortably" by eight lengths from the Gordon Elliott-trained Lord Scoundrel.

In between the last two races he was moved up in distance and started favourite for the Manifesto Novices' Chase over two and a half miles at Aintree but appeared to tire in the closing stages and finished third behind Arzal and L'Ami Serge.

On his first appearance for his new trainer Sizing John was beaten by Douvan for the seventh time when he finished second behind his old rival in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Cashcard Chase at Leopardstown in December.

Road To Riches set the early pace before giving way to Don Poli with Sizing John racing close behind before making progress approaching the second last.

Djakadam headed the betting from Native River (Hennessy Gold Cup, Welsh Grand National) and Cue Card with Sizing John fourth choice on 7/1.

Sizing John raced in mid-division before beginning to make progress at the fourth last and moved up to join the leaders Djakadam and Native River at the second last.

He took the lead, established a clear advantage approaching the final fence and stayed on up the run-in to win by two and three-quarter lengths from the fast-finishing Minella Rocco.