Sixmilebridge Too Far For Derryhassen Paddy At Ayr

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


The Play Coral "Racing-Super-Series" "Chasing Excellence" Beginners' Chase may have lacked runners, however it constantly assured to be an appealing affair with Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore's Albert Bartlett third Derryhassen Paddy (5-6 favourite) handling 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 lotion and in a race which supplied a lot of drama, all three looked likely at various stages of the home straight.


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


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


"A lot of credit goes to Max Kendrick who trips him at home and he's not a simple horse in the house. It's good to get the job done and a win under his belt."


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


This success 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 journey he could ultimately wind up plying his trade.


"We haven't made too numerous plans aside from to attempt to get today out of the method 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, increase in trip or drop back in journey if you desired to. Kielan stated his last 4 dives were his best 4 jumps when he was going a bit quicker."


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