AT ANY elite-level sport, timing is everything.

Minutes after Cherries moved back into the Championship top six with a 4-1 victory over Coventry City on Saturday, Rachael Blackmore produced a stunning performance to become the first woman to ride the winner of the Grand National, when steering Minella Times to glory in the colours of JP McManus.

Jonathan Woodgate, a big racing fan and former racehorse owner, revealed in his pre-match press conference he had been given a 100/1 shot in Cherries’ club sweepstake for the showpiece event at Aintree.

But despite not picking out the winner of the world’s biggest steeplechase with his full focus on the Sky Blues, Woodgate ensured his side pressed home the advantage in their bid to make the running in the race for the play-offs.

Arnaut Danjuma’s 23-second opener saw the Dorset club lead from the front in the opening exchanges against Coventry at Vitality Stadium, while a well-struck Matty James free-kick soon after ensured they had to overcome an obstacle on their way to success.

Much like the four-mile, two-and-a-half furlong chase in Liverpool - the Championship campaign is a test of strength, stamina and overcoming barriers.

Woodgate’s charges now cannot be first over the line and seal the Championship title ahead of red-hot favourites Norwich.

But they can certainly seal a placed finish, which could indeed result in some lucrative prize money come the end of the campaign, if they time their run to perfection.

Woodgate’s own horses included the likes of Archie Stephens, named after the former Middlesbrough striker.

Jonny Mudball, listed as being owned by the Woodgate Family, came second in the 2010 Stewards’ Cup on the flat at Goodwood.

“I’ve had a few horses to be fair,” said Woodgate. “I’ve had Archie Stephens, Jonny Mudball, Barolo Top – I’ve had five or six horses.

“We had a bit of a syndicate going with different friends I know from different age groups and different parts of the country.

“It was really good at the time. I tell you what, it’s nerve-wracking. I remember my horse Jonny Mudball was running in the Stewards’ Cup.

“My heart was pounding, he came second in the Stewards’ Cup. I have never seen my dad so happy, to be honest with you.

“I think he was more happy when the horse came second than he was when I played football!”

It promises to be an exciting ending to the Championship race for Cherries’ supporters, but Woodgate has piloted the men in red and black silks into a promising position in the chasing pack.

Now all they have to do is stay the trip and kick on to what will hopefully be the finishing line at Wembley.

Ironically, Woodgate insisted he would continue to “crack the whip” post-match for Cherries to keep moving forward.

“We’ve got a tough game against Huddersfield,” remarked the head coach, when assessing his side’s next hurdle to overcome.

“We know in no uncertain terms it’s going to be difficult. But we will go there and give it our best shot.”