Sixmilebridge secured a convincing win in the Grade 1 Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown Park on January 31, 2026. The 6-1 shot, ridden by Kielan Woods for trainer Fergal O'Brien, took advantage of the early fall of favorite Kitzbuhel to triumph by five lengths over Kala Conti. The victory marks O'Brien's return to Grade 1 success shortly after retiring stable star Crambo.
In a dramatic turn at Sandown Park, Sixmilebridge maintained his unbeaten record over fences by winning the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices' Chase. The seven-year-old gelding, owned by Jane and Andrew Megson, led from the front under jockey Kielan Woods and jumped soundly throughout the 2m4f contest on soft ground.
The race's complexion changed early when odds-on favorite Kitzbuhel, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, unseated its rider at the open ditch in front of the stands. This left Sixmilebridge in control, pulling clear to win by five lengths from Kala Conti, with Miami Magic third.
Trainer Fergal O'Brien expressed delight post-race, noting the horse's maturation. "We miss Crambo, who was a great servant, but I'm lucky that this horse came along so soon after him," O'Brien said. He credited daily rider Max Kendrick for helping manage Sixmilebridge's temperament, adding that the horse now races without hoods or ear plugs. O'Brien confirmed plans for the Cheltenham Festival, targeting either the Arkle or Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.
Woods, securing his second Grade 1 win, described the emotion of victory before a crowd. "My first Grade 1 winner on Millers Bank was magical but it was during Covid up at Aintree and there was a lot of emotion to do it in front of a big crowd today," he said. He had full confidence in Sixmilebridge, stating, "I genuinely couldn't see him getting beat."
For runner-up Kala Conti, jockey Jack Kennedy reported she struggled on the heavy ground. "She just struggled on the ground," Kennedy explained. "It's dead ground and she's not the biggest, so it was hard work."
Coral shortened Sixmilebridge to 20-1 from 25-1 for the Brown Advisory and 40-1 for the Arkle following the performance. This win provides the Megsons with their first Grade 1 success in a race previously won by notables like Best Mate and Defi Du Seuil.
