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.”