Winnie Woodnutt strikes under Alex Harvey© Photo Healy Racing
Race four in Kilbeggan proved to be a real family affair as Alex Harvey steered Winnie Woodnutt home for his grandfather, trainer David Harvey, and his father, owner William Harvey.
The Kalanisi mare travelled well for Harvey upsides Merry Moves ridden by his brother Ben, at the penultimate flight and soon led in this 3m handicap hurdle..
She asserted on the long run to the last and the 9/4 favourite was kept up to her work to beat a staying-on Flemensreva (25/1) by four and a half lengths. Cafe Del Mar (13/2 from a morning price of 16/1) picked up third-placed money a further 10 lengths back. Female Approach attracted support down to 17/2 and gave her backers a place dividend in fourth.
“I had a dream round around, she jumped and travelled everywhere. I probably got there a bit too soon but I was just cantering,” said the winning rider.
“She didn't do much in front, she idled, but she seen it out well and I think there is still more to come from her.
“I've won point-to-points on her and I know she stays well, if a horse came to me she would have went on.
“It's great. That's what it's all about, it's the smaller yards like us with home-breds. When they are born you have a dream in mind, it mightn't be Cheltenham here but it's a great day.
“My uncle from the Philippines is over and he was here to see it. I'm sure there will be celebrations tonight.
“We thought the run (last time) might sharpen her up a bit. We thought with the heavy ground in Naas it might slow things down and give her a chance but she just lacked that gear.
“Three miles on nicer ground today really suited her. She hasn't had a hard point-to-point season, she only run a handful of times.
“She's a very easy mare to train and isn't too hard on herself at home. We'll see what mark she gets and try and find another suitable race.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
