Sixmilebridge Too Far For Derryhassen Paddy At Ayr

Sixmilebridge made a successful chasing intro in what ended up being an enthralling three-runner contest at Ayr on Wednesday.


The Play Coral "Racing-Super-Series" "Chasing Excellence" Beginners' Chase might have lacked runners, however it always promised to be an intriguing affair with Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore's Albert Bartlett third Derryhassen Paddy (5-6 favourite) taking on Fergal O'Brien's Grade Two-winning hurdler.


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


Ultimately it was 6-4 opportunity Sixmilebridge who showed the most sure-footed when it mattered most to reward connections' long journey to Scotland with their talented chasing possibility.


O'Brien stated: "He finished the job, I suppose I was a little bit dissatisfied with his leaping as he's been extremely excellent in the house, but he beat a very good horse in Lucinda's horse, so you need to be extremely happy with him.


"A lot of credit goes to Max Kendrick who rides him in your home and he's not a simple horse in your home. It's nice to do the job and a win under his belt."


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


This victory came by 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 journey he might eventually wind up plying his trade.


"We haven't made a lot of strategies other than to try to get today out of the method initially," continued O'Brien.


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


"I believe he could do either, increase in journey or drop back in journey if you wished to. Kielan stated his last 4 jumps were his best 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.