Sixmilebridge too Far for Derryhassen Paddy at Ayr
Sixmilebridge made an effective chasing introduction in what became a contest at Ayr on Wednesday.
The Play Coral "Racing-Super-Series" "Chasing Excellence" Beginners' Chase may have been brief of runners, however it always guaranteed to be an intriguing affair with Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore's Albert Bartlett 3rd Derryhassen Paddy (5-6 preferred) 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 lotion and in a race which offered a lot of drama, all three looked likely at various phases of the home directly.
Ultimately it was 6-4 chance Sixmilebridge who showed the most sure-footed when it mattered most to reward connections' long trip to Scotland with their gifted chasing prospect.
O'Brien stated: "He got the job done, I suppose I was a little bit disappointed with his leaping as he's been really excellent in the house, but he beat a really great horse in Lucinda's horse, so you have to be very delighted with him.
"A lot of credit goes to Max Kendrick who trips him at home and he's not a simple horse in the house. It's nice to finish the job and a win under his belt."
Sixmilebridge made a fine start to chasing 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 go up to three miles and the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
However, O'Brien is open over which journey he might ultimately end up plying his trade.
"We have not made a lot of plans besides to attempt to get today out of the method initially," continued O'Brien.
"I'll talk 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 desired to. Kielan said his last four jumps were his best four dives 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.