Sixmilebridge Too Far For Derryhassen Paddy At Ayr
Sixmilebridge made an effective 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 lacked runners, however it constantly assured to be an intriguing affair with Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore's Albert Bartlett third Derryhassen Paddy (5-6 preferred) taking on Fergal O'Brien's Grade .
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 3 looked likely at numerous stages 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 journey to Scotland with their talented chasing prospect.
O'Brien said: "He got the job done, I suppose I was a bit disappointed with his leaping as he's been really great in your home, but he beat a great horse in Lucinda's horse, so you have to be really delighted with him.
"A lot of credit goes to Max Kendrick who trips him in your home and he's not a simple horse at home. It's great to do the job and a win under his belt."
Sixmilebridge made a fine start to chasing at Ayr (Bradley Collyer/PA)
This victory came by 2 and a half miles and Sixmilebridge was made 33-1 from 66s by Paddy Power for a go up to 3 miles and the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
However, O'Brien is open over which trip he might eventually wind up plying his trade.
"We haven't made too lots of strategies other than to try to get today out of the method initially," continued O'Brien.
"I'll speak to Kielan (Woods, jockey) and Mr and Mrs Megson (owners) and try make a strategy of where to go next.
"I think he might do either, increase in trip or drop back in journey if you wished to. Kielan stated his last four jumps were his finest four dives 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 odds of 25-1.