Charles Byrnes (centre) after his one-two in the last © Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Charles Byrnes was sitting pretty as the closing stages of the 47-65 handicap over ten furlongs unfolded with his two representatives fighting out a great finish.
Depending on which one he had backed, of course, but in the end it was Boom Boom Boom (9/1) who got up in the final stride under Gary Halpin to deny Estepona Sun after the latter had hit the front a furlong out.
The winner had raced in mid-division and picked up well for his rider after being angled out into the clear over a furlong from home. Shining Aitch caught the eye staying on for third ahead of 4/1 joint-favourites Supposedtobe and Arriba who were next across the line.
Previously placed under both codes, this was a first win for the Raven’s Pass gelding who had obviously come on for his first run of the year at Gowran in May.
Byrnes remarked: "We found it hard to pick between the two, we were pretty hopeful as both of them were working well.
"Actually, when I declared them, I thought the race was being split. If it was split, I'd have had two winners!
"I thought he (Gary Halpin) would delay it as late as possible and just drop him on the line if he could, he couldn't have done much more. It was a helluva ride.
"He can go back over hurdles any time he wants, we'll mix and match.
"The runner-up has done well, he has run a fine race."
Quotes from Michael Graham
