One Big Boum prevails after late drama

One Big Boum survived a mistake at the last and a lengthy stewards' enquiry before he was finally declared the winner of the Racing TV Maiden Hurdle.

Fourth on his last four starts, the Philip Fenton-trained five-year-old was well fancied to make the breakthrough this afternoon, going off the 15/8 favourite (from 5/2) in the colours of the Grey Stays Syndicate.

Never far from the pace under Brian Hayes, the Buck's Boum bay improved into a share of the lead from three out and had a good tussle with the front-running Depalma (11/4) in the straight, with just half-a-length between them at the line.

The winner did impede the runner-up when edging left on the approach to the last and again on the run-in, but after an enquiry, the placings remained unaltered.

The front pair drew 13-lengths clear of Stoneyford Lady (11/4 from 7/2) in third.

"The mistake at the last would have been costly had he been beaten," Fenton reflected.

"Thankfully he has won because he has been knocking on the door and only had one chance at a race like this, because if you're placed in one of them, then you're out of them. It's great that he's managed to get his head in front.

"If he had jumped the last well, he might have won a length and a half.

"He is handicapped to 107 and I suppose that's where he'll go now. He'll probably get a bit further as well and the soft ground doesn't seem to bother him.

"He ran in Ballinrobe the last day and the ground was quick. He never got into it and never travelled. We are hoping that he is more of a winter horse."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference between the last two hurdles and again after the last involving Depalma, ridden by C. Stone-Walsh, placed second, and One Big Boum, ridden by B. Hayes, placed first, where it appeared One Big Boum caused interference to Depalma. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. C. Stone-Walsh stated that he got carried across the track. He further added that he got bumped a couple of times before and after the last hurdle. B. Hayes stated that he got pushed out to the right at the second last hurdle. He further added that he let his mount roll in but then straightened him. He concluded by stating he felt the best horse won. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while One Big Boum had caused interference to Depalma he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. They were, however, of the opinion that B. Hayes was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden improperly and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended him for seven racedays.

C. Stone-Walsh, rider of Depalma, trained by C.A.Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was bumped and interfered with up the straight.

J.C. Gainford, rider of Light Of Life trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

B. Hayes, rider of One Big Boum, trained by Philip Fenton, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left up the straight.