AIS Novices' Hurdle
 AutoUpdating 150x150 Gif
(Registered As The Classic Novices' Hurdle)
Grade 2, Cheltenham 16:10
£75,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus,
2m 4f 56y, Class 1  
Saturday 25th January 2025

Free Racing Tips

1 Sixmilebridge 9/1
2 Potters Charm 8/15F
3 Bill Joyce 6/1
7 ran Distances: 8½l, 3½l, 1l
Time: 5m 12.27s (slow by 22.27s)

Sixmilebridge delivered a commanding performance, solidifying his status as a rising star in the novice hurdling division. Trained by Fergal O'Brien and ridden by Kielan Woods, the six-year-old gelding faced a competitive field over the 2m4½f course.

Having showcased his potential with impressive victories at Leicester and Huntingdon earlier this season, Sixmilebridge was stepping up to Grade 2 company for the first time. He settled comfortably in mid-division during the early stages, displaying maturity and composure. As the race progressed, Woods guided him closer to the leaders, and approaching the penultimate hurdle, Sixmilebridge made a decisive move to take the lead.

Despite a strong challenge from his rivals, Sixmilebridge's superior jumping and stamina were evident as he extended his advantage approaching the final flight. A fluent leap at the last sealed the victory, and he powered up the Cheltenham hill to win by a convincing margin.

Trainer Fergal O'Brien expressed his delight post-race, stating, "We're thrilled with that performance. Stepping up to this level was always going to be a test, but he's answered every question we've asked of him. The way he finished suggests there's plenty more to come."

Jockey Kielan Woods added, "He settled beautifully and jumped impeccably. When I asked him to go, he found another gear. It's a pleasure to ride a horse of this calibre."

This victory not only enhances Sixmilebridge's burgeoning reputation but also positions him as a formidable contender for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. Connections will now deliberate on his next target, with options including the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle or the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, depending on how he emerges from this race.

The win marks a significant milestone for owners, the Megsons, who have nurtured high hopes for Sixmilebridge since his promising bumper debut. Their patience and faith in the gelding are now reaping rewards as he continues his ascent in the novice hurdling ranks.

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AIS Classic Novices' Hurdle
 (Grade 2)
£75,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 4f 56y, Class 1
7 ran
Going: Soft, Good to Soft in places

POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1    Sixmilebridge 6 11-5 Fergal O'Brien Kielan Woods 9/1
2 8½ Potters Charm 6 11-10 Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies 8/15F
3 3½ Bill Joyce 6 11-10 Jonjo & A J O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jr 6/1
4 1 Quebecois 6 11-5 Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden 20/1
5 ½ Gamesters Guy 6 11-5 Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero Henry Brooke 20/1
6 12 Kdeux Saint Fray 5 11-5 Anthony Honeyball Jonathan Burke 16/1
7 37 Wade Out 6 11-5 Olly Murphy Sean Bowe n 12/1

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Year Horse Owner Trainer Age Weight Jockey SP

2000 Monsignor Malcolm Denmark Mark Pitman 6-11-12 Norman Williamson 1/2 f
2001 Indian Scout Indian Scout Partnership Ben De Haan 6-11-06 Liam Cummins 2/1
2002 Keen Leader Adair Catherwood Jonjo O’Neill 6-11-05 Liam Cooper 10/11 f
2003 Iris’s Gift Robert Lester Jonjo O’Neill 6-11-09 Barry Geraghty 1/3 f
2004 Abandoned
2005 Ambobo Sean Mulryan Arnaud Chaille-Chaille FR 5-11-12 Barry Geraghty 14/1
2006 Abandoned
2007 Wichita Lineman J P McManus Jonjo O’Neill 6-11-12 Tony McCoy Evens f
2008 Aigle D’Or J P McManus Nicky Henderson 5-11-09 Marcus Foley 7/4 f
2009 Diamond Harry Paul Duffy/Diamond Partnership Nick Williams 6-11-12 Timmy Murphy 8/15 f
2010 Restless Harry Richard Whitehead Robin Dickin 6-11-12 Henry Oliver 7/2
2011 Bobs Worth The Not Afraid Partnership Nicky Henderson 6-11-12 Barry Geraghty 7/2
2012 Batonnier Raymond Mould Alan King 6-11-05 Wayne Hutchinson 12/1
2013 At Fishers Cross J P McManus Rebecca Curtis 6-11-12 A P McCoy 13/2
2014 Red Sherlock The Johnson Family David Pipe 5-11-09 Tom Scudamore 9/4
2015 Ordo Ab Chao A Marsh Alan King 6-11-09 Wayne Hutchinson 16/1
2016 Yanworth J P McManus Alan King 6-11-12 Barry Geraghty 2/1f
2017 Wholestone Simon Munir & Isaac Souede Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-11-10 Daryl Jacob 11/4 f
2018 Santini Mr & Mrs R Kelvin-Hughes Nicky Henderson 6-11-05 J McGrath 4/1
2019 Birchdale J P McManus Nicky Henderson 5-11-05 Barry Geraghty 2/1
2020 Harry Senior Brocade Racing Colin Tizzard 6 11-05 Robbie Power 4/1
2021 ABANDONED
2022 North Lodge McNeill Family & Niall Farrell Alan King 5 11-05 A P Heskin 7/1
2023 Rock My Way Nick Case, Syd Hosie, John Romans Syd Hosie 5 11-05 Tom Scudamore 13/2
2024 Gidleigh Park The Eyre Family Harry Fry 6 11-05 Jonathan Burke 5/6F
2025 Sixmilebridge The Megsons Fergal O'Brien 6 11-05 Kielan Woods 9/1

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