Omen bet of the day Big Noise has given trainer Mathew Leek his biggest win and Jason Evans his first feature success since an horrific fall two years ago which almost cost the jockey his life.While about 200 jumps protesters gathered at the front gate of Sandown racecourse on Sunday chanting for the sport to be banned, Big Noise underlined his promising career by leading all the way to win the $100,000 Houlahan Hurdle (3300m).Leek, who was granted a professional trainer's licence in Melbourne C

Omen bet of the day Big Noise has given trainer Mathew Leek his biggest win and Jason Evans his first feature success since an horrific fall two years ago which almost cost the jockey his life.

While about 200 jumps protesters gathered at the front gate of Sandown racecourse on Sunday chanting for the sport to be banned, Big Noise underlined his promising career by leading all the way to win the $100,000 Houlahan Hurdle (3300m).

Leek, who was granted a professional trainer's licence in Melbourne Cup week 2007, described the victory with the horse he bought for $5,000 as a "emotional" moment.

"He was the first horse I bought with a group of friends so it is pretty emotional," Leek said.

Big Noise made the pace but had to contend with the riderless Sirrocean Storm who fired him up after dislodging Brett Scott at the second of the 10 hurdles in the race.

Leek said he feared Sirrocean Storm would prove the undoing of Big Noise but Evans managed to keep control and urged him clear to a four-length win over Brough Superior with Tadgh another 4-1/4 lengths away third.

Evans was as elated as any of the connections as the win crowned his comeback to saddle after his riding career seemed over due to the fall in 2007.

He suffered head injuries including broken teeth, as well as a crushed vertebra in his back, fracture vertebrae in his neck and two broken collarbones.

"I didn't think I was going to get back this time," Evans said.

"I still get pain in the morning when I get up but once I am moving I am all right."

After a painful rehabilitation, Evans resumed riding in March and rides Big Noise in his work every day.

"This is my first feature back after I nearly got killed in 2007 and it's great to do it with Matthew and these owners," Evans said.

"I gave him a real chance today as most of the horses he was meeting were first season jumpers and he is in his second season."

"One of his great attributes is that he keeps jumping well."