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 may have been short of runners, however it always 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 Guy (13-2) made an excellent fist of being the fly in the lotion and in a race which offered a lot of drama, all three looked likely at numerous stages of the home straight.


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


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


"A great deal of credit goes to Max Kendrick who rides him at home and he's not an easy horse in the house. It's nice to do 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 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 trip he could eventually end up plying his trade.


"We have not made a lot of plans besides to try to get today out of the way initially," continued O'Brien.


"I'll talk to Kielan (Woods, jockey) and Mr and Mrs Megson (owners) and try make a plan of where to go next.


"I believe he could do either, go up in trip or drop back in trip if you wanted to. Kielan said his last four jumps were his finest 4 jumps when he was going a bit quicker."


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