Sixmilebridge Too Far For Derryhassen Paddy At Ayr

Sixmilebridge made a successful chasing introduction in what became 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 constantly promised 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 3 looked likely at numerous phases of the home directly.


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 gifted chasing prospect.


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


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


Sixmilebridge made a great start to going after 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 move 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 haven't made a lot of strategies aside from to attempt 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 plan of where to go next.


"I believe he could do either, increase in journey or hang back in journey if you desired to. Kielan said his last four dives were his best 4 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.