Sixmilebridge Too Far For Derryhassen Paddy At Ayr
Sixmilebridge made an effective chasing introduction in what ended up being a fascinating three-runner contest at Ayr on Wednesday.
The Play Coral "Racing-Super-Series" "Chasing Excellence" might have been short of runners, but it constantly assured to be an intriguing affair with Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore's Albert Bartlett 3rd 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 lotion and in a race which offered plenty of drama, all three looked likely at various stages of the home directly.
Ultimately it was 6-4 chance Sixmilebridge who proved the most sure-footed when it mattered most to reward connections' long journey to Scotland with their gifted chasing possibility.
O'Brien stated: "He got the job done, I expect I was a bit dissatisfied with his jumping as he's been excellent in your home, but he beat an excellent horse in Lucinda's horse, so you need to be extremely delighted with him.
"A lot of credit goes to Max Kendrick who trips him in your home and he's not an easy horse at home. It's nice to do the job and a win under his belt."
Sixmilebridge made a fine start to chasing at Ayr (Bradley Collyer/PA)
This triumph came over 2 and a half miles and Sixmilebridge was made 33-1 from 66s by Paddy Power for a relocation 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 plans besides to try to get today out of the method first," continued O'Brien.
"I'll speak with Kielan (Woods, jockey) and Mr and Mrs Megson (owners) and try make a plan of where to go next.
"I believe he might do either, increase in trip or hang back in journey if you desired to. Kielan stated his last four dives were his best 4 jumps when he was going a bit quicker."
O'Brien and Woods rapidly doubled up on the card when Stop Loss declared the Coral Novices' Hurdle at chances of 25-1.