Sixmilebridge Too Far For Derryhassen Paddy At Ayr

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


The Play Coral "Racing-Super-Series" "Chasing Excellence" Beginners' Chase might have been short of runners, however it always guaranteed to be an appealing affair with Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore's Albert Bartlett 3rd Derryhassen Paddy (5-6 favourite) taking on Fergal O'Brien's Grade Two-winning 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 provided lots of drama, all three looked likely at various phases of the home straight.


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


O'Brien stated: "He did the job, I expect I was a little bit disappointed with his leaping as he's been excellent at home, however he beat an excellent horse in Lucinda's horse, so you have to be extremely happy with him.


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


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


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


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


"We have not made too lots of strategies other than to try to get today out of the way first," continued O'Brien.


"I'll speak to 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, go up in trip or drop back in trip if you desired to. Kielan said his last 4 dives were his finest 4 dives when he was going a bit quicker."


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