Sixmilebridge Too Far For Derryhassen Paddy At Ayr

Sixmilebridge made a successful chasing intro 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 intriguing affair with Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore's Albert Bartlett third (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 lots of drama, all 3 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 gifted chasing possibility.


O'Brien said: "He did the job, I suppose I was a bit disappointed with his leaping as he's been excellent at home, however he beat a great horse in Lucinda's horse, so you have to be very happy with him.


"A great deal of credit goes to Max Kendrick who trips him at home and he's not an easy horse in your home. It's good to finish the job and a win under his belt."


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


This success came by two 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 eventually end up plying his trade.


"We haven't made a lot of strategies other than to try to get today out of the way first," continued O'Brien.


"I'll talk 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, go up in journey or drop back in trip if you desired to. Kielan said his last 4 dives were his finest 4 dives when he was going a bit quicker."


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