Sixmilebridge Too Far For Derryhassen Paddy At Ayr

Sixmilebridge made a successful 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 lacked runners, but it always promised to be an intriguing affair with Lucinda and Michael Scudamore's Albert Bartlett third Derryhassen Paddy (5-6 preferred) taking on Fergal O'Brien's Grade Two-winning hurdler.


Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero's Gamesters Guy (13-2) made an excellent fist of being the fly in the ointment and in a race which offered plenty of drama, all three looked likely at numerous phases of the home directly.


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


O'Brien said: "He got the task done, I suppose I was a little bit disappointed with his jumping as he's been excellent in the house, however 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 a simple horse in your home. It's great to finish the job and a win under his belt."


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


This victory came by 2 and a half miles and Sixmilebridge was made 33-1 from 66s by Paddy Power for a relocation up to three miles and the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.


However, O'Brien is open over which journey he might ultimately wind up plying his trade.


"We have not made a lot of strategies besides 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 try make a strategy of where to go next.


"I think he might do either, go up in journey or drop back in journey if you wished to. Kielan stated his last 4 dives were his best four jumps 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.