Sixmilebridge too far for Derryhassen Paddy at Ayr

Sixmilebridge made a successful chasing introduction 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, but it always promised to be an intriguing affair with Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore’s Albert Bartlett third Derryhassen Paddy (5-6 favourite) taking on 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 ointment and in a race which provided plenty of drama, all three looked likely at various 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 talented chasing prospect.

O’Brien said: “He got the job done, I suppose I was a little bit disappointed with his jumping as he’s been very good at home, but he beat a very good horse in Lucinda’s horse, so you have to be very pleased with him.

“A lot of credit goes to Max Kendrick who rides him at home and he’s not an easy horse at home. It’s nice to get the job done and a win under his belt.”

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 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 haven’t made too many plans other than to try 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 try make a plan of where to go next.

“I think 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 best four jumps 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 odds of 25-1.