Woodford General wins easily in the hands of Ben Coen© Photo Healy Racing
The Naas Nursery Of Champions Maiden was all over with over a furlong to run as the well-fancied Woodford General (7/2) stormed clear under Ben Coen.
Seven lengths was the winning margin in the end, with Getawiggleon (14/1) pipping 10/3 fav Knight Of Malta for second spot.
The winner, by the Dark Angel horse Gutaifan, winner of the 2015 Prix Robert Papin and Flying Childers Stakes, had run well in a course and distance maiden last back-end on his last of three starts at two, and came into today’s race with a mark of 76.
Winning trainer Kieran Cotter enjoyed a fruitful 2019, with seven individual winners, none of them over further than six furlongs.
“We always thought this lad had a huge amount of potential but in a winter maiden you just can't be sure,” said Cotter.
“He's definitely stakes material and he's from a very good family. He loves this ground and he's incredibly tough.
“He did all that was asked of him today and we're looking forward to the future.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
