Magic Boum collects after hot fav tips up in the opener

French import Kaid D’authie was expected to make a successful Irish debut in division one of Mervyn Gray Construction Maiden Hurdle at Navan but the 1/3 favourite exited at halfway with Magic Boum taking full advantage for Gordon Elliott and Sam Ewing.

The hot favourite set the pace but stumbled on landing at the fifth flight and gave Paul Townend no chance of staying in the saddle.

Magic Boum was left in front and despite make a mistake at the last, was driven out by Ewing to hold off Eastern Legend by three-quarters of a length. Arch Hall couldn’t find any extra on the run-in a further two and a quarter lengths back in third.

Elliott said, “That was a bit of a surprise. I thought she would run a nice race there and maybe go back for a bumper but, with the favourite falling, the race was there.

“She was very green in front, but in fairness she was tough after the mistake at the last.

“That was a bonus, and we’ll probably look for some black type with her over hurdles.

“I’d say she’s more of a chaser for next year — she’s a big girl.”

Additional reporting by Michael Graham