One Big Boum and Brian Hayes© Photo Healy Racing
A maiden hurdle winner over the minimum trip at Wexford on his most recent start, the Philip Fenton trained One Big Boum made a successful introduction to life in handicap company when landing the Bar One Racing "100% Acca Boost On Self Service Terminals" Handicap Hurdle at Cork.
Well positioned under Brian Hayes throughout, the 11/2 chance extended from the front after four out, going clear of his rivals entering the straight.
Less than fluent jumps at the penultimate and last flights allowed his opponents close the gap but the Grey Stays Syndicate owned five-year-old kept on well to land the spoils. Junior Rattler stayed on for second, while Mercury Mission finished fast and late to grab third under Tiernan Power Roche.
Philip Fenton said: "The owners are from Carrigtwohill and Midleton and we had a long wait with him as he has had his problems. He ran here this time last year when he cracked a bone in his knee and had an operation so it was a slow process to come back.
"He went a bit right the last day at Wexford and went left today and he seems to idle when in front. Overall he has a bit to learn and isn't the finished article yet."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
