Sixmilebridge Too Far For Derryhassen Paddy At Ayr

Sixmilebridge made an effective chasing introduction 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, but it constantly promised to be an appealing affair with Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore's Albert Bartlett 3rd Derryhassen Paddy (5-6 preferred) handling Fergal O'Brien's Grade Two-winning hurdler.


Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero's Gamesters Guy (13-2) made a good fist of being the fly in the lotion and in a race which offered plenty of drama, all 3 looked likely at various stages 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 gifted chasing prospect.


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


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


Sixmilebridge made a fine start to chasing after 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 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 end up plying his trade.


"We haven't made too numerous plans other than 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 think he might do either, increase in journey or drop back in journey if you wished to. Kielan stated his last 4 dives were his finest 4 dives when he was going a bit quicker."


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