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Alan Magee
Sixandahalf looks smart on her hurdles debut
Sixandahalf and Keith Donoghue
© Photo Healy Racing
Sixandahalf caused ripples in Cheltenham ante-post markets when making an impressive start over hurdles, striding clear from before the last to take the SBK Mares Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
The daughter of Snow Sky had already shown a high level of form on the level, winning a bumper and two Flat races as well as finishing third in the Irish Cesarewitch, and recorded her fourth career win here in fine style.
The 2/1 chance travelled well to head the front-running Qualimita approaching the penultimate flight and soon took control.
Keith Donoghue ’s mount galloped on strongly on the run-in to beat Qualimita by an easy 12 lengths with 5/6 favourite Kimi De Mai a further three and three-quarter lengths away in third.
Winning trainer Gavin Cromwell said, “She jumped really well and you couldn’t ask for better.
“I’m not sure where we go from here. She’s not very big but she has an engine, a great attitude and jumps well.
“Hopefully she’ll end up going to the mares novice (at Cheltenham) ultimately.”
When asked if she could go back on the Flat during the summer he added, “Absolutely, she’s a very versatile mare.”
Paddy Power and Betfair cut her odds into 7/1 (from 14/1) for the Mares’ Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson