Winnie Woodnut takes over at the last © Photo Healy Racing
The 11/4 favourite Winnie Woodnutt was a winner for the Harvey family in the Tom Mangan & Locky Murphy Handicap Chase.
The daughter of Gamut, a hurdles winner at this venue in April, went in pursuit of clear leader Rudy Catrail on the final circuit and gradually cut into the leader's advantage. The seven-year-old had the leader in her sights after the second-last and jumped to the front at the last to beat the gallant Rudy Catrail by two and a-half lengths.
The winner is owned by her breeder William Harvey, was ridden by his son Alex and is trained by the latter's grandfather David.
“It was an awkward sort of race with Rudy Catrail going on but I thought he was the horse to beat on paper,” said the winning rider.
“We didn't go overly quick and she had a good lead. I was happy enough to go on with a lap to go and I was always taking a pull out of my mare.
“She jumped brilliant and it was just a matter of not getting there too soon.
“She's a mare that was quite keen when she was younger but she's really learned to relax in her races now. She relaxed there and once I pushed the button she switched on and it worked out brilliant.
“She's still on a winnable mark and hopefully that makes my father take the 7lb off again for the next day!”
Quotes from Gary Carson
