Trainer enjoys her first winner - but misses it for bridesmaid duties

Saturday: Nottingham

Bridesmaid duties kept Gemma Tutty away from a memorable day at the racecourse meaning she missed out when Elixsoft provided her with a first victory as a trainer in the 1m½f handicap.

The former jockey took over the training licence at Trenholme House Farm from her mother Karen this year but earlier obligations forced her to be absent from the Nottingham meeting, where the seven-year-old mare scored by one and a half lengths under Ryan Sexton.

"My friend Lucie [Harper] asked me to be a bridesmaid before I had a trainer's licence, so I thought it was a valid excuse not to be there," said Tutty.

"It is unfortunate that I couldn't be there on the day because I have been to every single meeting so far and it's typical the first one I couldn't make she goes and gives me my first winner."

The 29-year-old ended her career as a jockey in February to focus on training, scoring on the 16th attempt after saddling her first runners in April.

"It is nice to get it out the way so we can concentrate on moving forward now," the trainer added.

"We have had a couple of near misses and on the whole the horses have been running well, but people only pay attention to the winners, so it's good thing to achieve."

More Highclere joy

The William Haggas-trained Hebrides took full advantage of a 182-day break when winning the 6f novice stakes.

Under Stevie Donohoe, and owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, the three-year-old registered a second win in three starts.

Results, replays and analysis

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets