Sixmilebridge Too Far For Derryhassen Paddy At Ayr

Sixmilebridge made an effective chasing intro 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, but it always promised to be an interesting affair with Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore's Albert Bartlett 3rd 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 ointment and in a race which offered lots of drama, all three looked likely at numerous phases of the home straight.


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


O'Brien stated: "He got the task done, I expect I was a bit dissatisfied with his jumping as he's been excellent at home, however he beat an excellent horse in Lucinda's horse, so you have to be extremely happy with him.


"A great deal of credit goes to Max Kendrick who rides him in your home and he's not an easy horse at home. It's nice to get the job done 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 3 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 have not made too numerous strategies other than to attempt to get today out of the way initially," continued O'Brien.


"I'll speak with Kielan (Woods, jockey) and Mr and Mrs Megson (owners) and attempt make a of where to go next.


"I think he might do either, go up in trip or drop back in trip if you desired to. Kielan said his last four jumps were his finest 4 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.