English/Ire
Sixmilebridge hands O’Brien and Woods with Scilly Isles success
Fergal O’Brien and Kielan Woods took full advantage of market leader Kitzbuhel's early unseat to run out a commanding all-the-way winner of the Grade 1 VirginBet Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown on Saturday.
In a race that was billed as a duel between the two unbeaten Irish-trained chasers, Sixmilebridge ensured that they weren't going to have things their own way as he galloped on into a clear advantage under Kielan Woods from an early stage.
Ireland's chances of landing another Scilly Isles were dealt a sizeable blow when Willie Mullins' Kauto Star winner Kitzbuhel, who was sent off 10/11 to claim further Grade 1 honours, stretched for the open ditch and deposited the rerouted Paul Townend onto the deck.
That allowed the 6/1 chance Sixmilebridge to dominate proceedings out in front and although Kala Conti, who received 7lb from the two boys, attempted to squeeze through up the inner rounding the final bend, Keilan Woods never panicked and quickly shut the door.
Those in behind attempted to close heading down to the last but Sixmilebridge still had plenty left in the tank and after a big leap at the final flight, Kielan Woods pushed his mount out to prevail by a comfortable five lengths from Kala Conti.
"It's absolutely massive. There are bigger-named jockeys out there, owners and trainers that haven't had a Grade 1 this season, but we've had one," said Woods.
"It took me a while to get him jumping. I was a bit rusty down the first few railways but once I got out into the country he winged away.
"He's not very rideable sometimes you have to take what you get but once we got forwards, he was brilliant.
"Grade 1's at Sandown, this is where you want to be."
The success was a first top-level prize for owners The Megsons and a first Grade 1 victory over fences for trainer Fergal O'Brien, who recently announced the retirement of his dual Grade 1 Longwalk Hurdle hero Crambo.
"This is what dreams are made of," said O'Brien. "It's massive, this is right up there with Crambo.
"To lose a Grade 1 winner and get another one so soon is great, he's a brilliant horse."
"I can't believe it, I can't believe it, our first Grade 1. Stunning," said a jubilant Andrew Megson, who formerly had horses with Ben Pauling before spreading his string across a number of trainers.
"That was stunning. We love it, but with the nerves you think why are we doing this! It was just unbelievable when he cleared the last.
"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 when 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."
Sixmilebridge is now three from three over fences following wins at both Ayr and Cheltenham, with Fergal O'Brien now eyeing a return to Prestbury Park in March for either the Singer Arkle Novices' Chase or the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.
He said: "We'll go to Cheltenham. He's got Cheltenham form and which race we go for will be the question.
"It will be the Arkle or the Brown Advisory – I'll leave it to Kielan and the Megsons and we'll all have a chat together. My gut feeling is that he's a three-miler."
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