Sixmilebridge sparkles in Scilly Isles success

Sixmilebridge maintained his flawless chasing record to claim the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown for Fergal O’Brien.

The seven-year-old was partnered by Kielan Woods as a 6-1 shot, and in a small field the complexion of the Grade One changed when Kitzbuhel, Willie Mullins’ 10-11 favourite, made an error early on and unshipped Paul Townend.

That left three contenders standing and having made all of the running, it was Sixmilebridge who strolled home to claim a decisive five-length triumph from Kala Conti having jumped soundly throughout.

“I’m absolutely delighted – it was a fantastic run and a fantastic ride,” said O’Brien.

“I’m so proud of the horse today, he did everything we hoped we could do.

“I’m delighted for the Megsons (owners) as that’s their first Grade One. They’ve put a lot into racing with their horses and sponsorships over the years so I’m thrilled we could win them a Grade One.

“His jumping today was good, but I actually think he jumped a bit better at Cheltenham last time so that’s something we can work on – but I’m still over the moon.”

Paddy Power cut Sixmilebridge to 12-1 from 20s for the three-mile Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, while he is also entered for the Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase over two miles.

O’Brien added: “We’ll enjoy today, he’s in a few races at Cheltenham and we’ve got all bases covered so we’ll see how we get on.”

Woods was securing a first Grade One victory since steering Millers Bank to victory in the 2022 Manifesto Novices’ Chase at Aintree.

He said: “It’s what dreams are made of – a Grade One win at Sandown, it’s where you want to be.

“He’s not always very rideable and you just kind of have to take what’s there, but once we got going – he was brilliant.

“I’ve won a Grade One before but it’s been a while and it’s been a bit of a slow season for me, so this makes up for it.”

For Andrew Megson, who owns Sixmilebridge along with his wife Jane, a first Grade One win will live long in his memory.

He said: “Most of the time when you own horses you are disappointed. We have quite a few horses who are injured, but days like this and when Global Citizen won the Grand Annual at Cheltenham with Ben (Pauling, trainer) keep you going and you want to stay invested and involved.

“Days like today keep us going. We are both interested (in racing) and Jane used to ride.

“I will remember today for the rest of my life.”