Kilmore trainer Lesia Masnyj knocked early quaddie takers  for six at Werribee’s Spendthrift Australia Park on Saturday when she produced Mr Drew ($26) for an all-the-way win.
Ridden by Stan Tsaikos, the five-year-old Reward For Effort gelding broke through at his 20th start, taking out the $23,000 TAB Maiden Plate (2000m) by 1¾ lengths from the Jason Baldock mount Tarcisius ($3.90), with $3.20 favourite Oenophile a further 3¼ lengths away third.
Having his fifth start this prep, Mr Drew was having his first start over the distance and ran the opposition off their legs.
Bred by Masnyj from the late Last Tycoon mare Queens Grace, the gelding was entered in the Melbourne Premier yearling sale but was withdrawn due to throat issues.
“I decided to persevere with him and train him myself but he had bone chips removed and a further throat problem,” Masnyj said.
“He’s always shown me something. He’s a handsome dude and just lovely to handle and hopefully he’s over his hiccups.”
The trainer, who has only two horses in work, was full of praise for her track riders Adrian and Ellen Johnstone.
She says the gelding has pulled up well and will probably have his next start in the Great Western Cup (2000m) on January 27.
Mr Drew had two minor placings prior to his win.
Kevin a country titan
Kilmore Racing Club lost one of its popular life members recently.
Kevin McNamara died last Friday week aged 84 after a brief illness.
The former Kilmore resident was president of the club for four years and honorary treasurer for 11 years.
Kevin was elected to the Country Racing Victoria board in 1996. In 2004, he was  appointed by CRV to the Racing Victoria board. He was a CRV Life Governor.
Part of the team that got Kilmore Trackside up and running, Kevin worked tirelessly to see the industry prosper, procuring sponsors for KRC including long-time partners in the Cardinal and Jade companies.
Kevin raced a number of horses, most trained at Flemington by Steve McKinnon.
This writer passes on his deepest sympathy to Denise and family. He will be sorely missed.