Exoboom – even the name attracts attention – had to survive a protest before confirming his star is on the rise at Hawkesbury on Saturday.
The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Exoboom unleashed an exciting finishing burst to win the Group 3 $200,000 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m).
But celebrations for Exoboom’s owners and jockey Sam Clipperton for his 500th career win were put on hold momentarily as connections of third placegetter Black Duke protested alleging interference in the final 100m of the Guineas.
Keagan Latham rider of Black Duke, said his three-year-old was checked when Exoboom hung in under pressure.
“Sam’s horse can across me and I had to take evasive action,’’ Latham told Racing NSW stewards.