Sixmilebridge Too Far For Derryhassen Paddy At Ayr

Sixmilebridge made an effective chasing intro in what became an enthralling three-runner contest at Ayr on Wednesday.


The Play Coral "Racing-Super-Series" "Chasing Excellence" Beginners' Chase may have been short of runners, however it constantly guaranteed to be an appealing affair with Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore's Albert Bartlett 3rd Derryhassen Paddy (5-6 preferred) taking on Fergal O'Brien's Grade hurdler.


Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero's Gamesters Guy (13-2) made a great fist of being the fly in the lotion and in a race which offered a lot of drama, all 3 looked likely at different phases of the home directly.


Ultimately it was 6-4 opportunity Sixmilebridge who proved the most sure-footed when it mattered most to reward connections' long trip to Scotland with their gifted chasing prospect.


O'Brien said: "He got the task done, I suppose I was a little bit dissatisfied with his jumping as he's been excellent in the house, but he beat an excellent horse in Lucinda's horse, so you have to be extremely happy with him.


"A great deal of credit goes to Max Kendrick who rides him in the house and he's not a simple horse at home. It's great to finish the job and a win under his belt."


Sixmilebridge made a fine start to chasing after at Ayr (Bradley Collyer/PA)


This success came over two and a half miles and Sixmilebridge was made 33-1 from 66s by Paddy Power for a relocation up to 3 miles and the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.


However, O'Brien is open over which trip he could eventually end up plying his trade.


"We have not made too lots of plans besides to attempt to get today out of the way initially," continued O'Brien.


"I'll speak with Kielan (Woods, jockey) and Mr and Mrs Megson (owners) and attempt make a strategy of where to go next.


"I believe he might do either, increase in trip or hang back in trip if you wanted to. Kielan stated his last four jumps were his finest 4 dives when he was going a bit quicker."


O'Brien and Woods quickly doubled up on the card when Stop Loss declared the Coral Novices' Hurdle at chances of 25-1.