Sixmilebridge Too Far For Derryhassen Paddy At Ayr

Sixmilebridge made a introduction in what ended up being 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 constantly guaranteed to be an intriguing 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 a lot of drama, all 3 looked likely at different stages of the home straight.


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 talented chasing prospect.


O'Brien said: "He finished the job, I suppose I was a little bit dissatisfied with his jumping as he's been great in your home, but he beat an excellent horse in Lucinda's horse, so you have to be very pleased with him.


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


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


This triumph came over 2 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 might ultimately end up plying his trade.


"We have not made too many plans aside from to try to get today out of the method first," continued O'Brien.


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


"I think he could do either, increase in journey or hang back in journey if you wanted to. Kielan stated his last 4 jumps were his best four dives when he was going a bit quicker."


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