Beaming local bags €10k Galway Races Ladies Day win but big race drama as results REVERSED after tense stewards' inquiry
Last year's runner-up was declared the winner of the
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Bookies were caught up in the drama when stewards reversed the placings
Credit: PA
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Breda Butler, from Thurles, Co Tipperary claimed the Best Hat prize
Helvic Dream was an 8-1 shot in the hands of Donagh Meyler and settled down to fight it out with the 13-2 shot Ndaawi and Jack Kennedy in the home straight.
However, the pair did come close together all the way up the run-in as both horses and jockeys gave their all, with Ndaawi short of room against the far rail.
And while Helvic Dream passed the post a head in front, the stewards felt the interference was enough to reverse the placings.
Legendary trainer Elliott was torn over his win. He said: 'I'm delighted to win the race but, to be honest, Noel Meade is one of my best friends in racing. I know how he's feeling now.'
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Gutted trainer Meade tonight told how he believes it was 'the wrong decision' and he will appeal it.
He declared: 'I didn't think we'd lose it, considering the race and considering Jack Kennedy didn't have to stop riding.
"I do believe in my heart and soul it's the wrong decision and I will appeal it.'
Bookies were also caught up in the drama.
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Brian O'Keeffe, spokesperson for
'We paid out on the revised winner Ndaawi and the first past the post, both of which were well fancied.'
Galway Races punters get engaged
Sean O'Keeffe started the day with a win as he guided Gold Dancer to victory in the Novice Chase for
And Tropical Island took the win in the Fillies Stakes.
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Trainer Shark Hanlon said the festival is 'going good enough' but he's hopeful for some weekend winners, adding: 'We had a bad day the first day, but listen, I hadn't many runners yet until the weekend.
"So, please God, we might have a winner or two over the weekend.'
TAKING A BREAK
Iconic steed Hewick, who won the Galway Plate in 2022, is taking a break this
Shark said: 'Huwick is great. He's on holidays at the moment.
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"He'll be back in, I'd say, next week or the week after and we're doing a plan then.
"Maybe Listowel. Maybe back to
PERFECT WEATHER
Meanwhile, the sun came out for Ladies Day as hundreds of hopefuls donned their best attire in a bid to win the €10,000
Galway woman Megan Cunnissa crowned Best Dressed in an elegant monochrome ensemble.
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Megan said: 'I love it here. I come every year. I always go Monday, Friday.
'So this is my first Ladies Day, I can't believe it, I'm so honoured to have won today.'
Danny Mullins reveals truth about unusual new hairdo for Galway Races and dad Tony's reaction
Breda Butler from Thurles, County
Head judge Mandy Maher said: 'I'm so proud to be part of an event that continues to shine a light on Irish style in such a vibrant and inclusive way.
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"The creativity we saw today was off the charts.'
Laura Nash, from
'IT'S FABULOUS'
'Just standing here today watching everybody, it's fabulous. The atmosphere is absolutely gorgeous. Everyone looks so beautiful.
'I'm a huge fan of Galway. I actually haven't been here for the last ten years.
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'So, I've never entered the Best Dressed Lady, this is my first time ever doing it, and I'm so excited to be here.'
First-timer at Ballybrit Dee Maddick, from
GALWAY FASHION
'It's electric when you come in. I was a little bit nervous coming today because everyone said it's a busy ladies day.
"But it's absolutely fabulous. I love it.'
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Tipperary woman Kelly McDonnell stunned in a Reiss dress and a headpiece from Jennifer's Hat Emporium in Kildare.
She said: 'I love coming to Galway. I come three times a year, probably midsummer,
'LOVE THE STYLE'
"I love how relaxed it is. I love Galway, because I love the fashion.'
Hairdresser Martha Galvin, from Mayo, said: 'I'm a big fan of the Galway Races.
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"I love coming every year and I love the style.
'My background is in hairdressing and I just love looking at all the ladies and getting them ready for it.
PUNTERS 'UP THEIR GAME'
'So it's unusual for me to be on this side of it. I'm normally the one getting them ready.'
Racing superfan Kieran O Malley, from Galway, who has judged Ladies Day for years, said punters 'year after year, up their game'.
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He said: 'It's been a great week so far. Monday was fantastic. It started with a bang, great crowds and it's been lovely since that.
'The crowd, the atmosphere has been really good now so we're enjoying it.
'Town has been lovely. The bars are buzzing, the hotels are absolutely flying at the moment.
So overall it's been an excellent week so far.'
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He added: 'I need to talk to the people in the know and throw on a few bets and see how I get on.'
MY VIEW
THE sun finally beamed down for a fashion-filled Ladies Day at Galway.
The atmosphere was electric from early on, with punters ready for another day of racing brilliance.
Ballybrit was a sea of colour with ladies and gents dressed to the nines - the style was a spectacle worth going to see in itself. Sorry, horsies!
Each year the style reaches another level, and there were certainly some Met Gala moments with some very unique outfits on show - but Best Dressed Lady Megan really deserved to win with her chic and classic look.
But there was some shoe drama, with a former Ladies Day winner turned judge getting her heel stuck in a gutter.
While the tension built over the Guinness Hurdle deliberation, it was heartwarming to see the celebrations in the parade ring after, where the Guinness was flowing, the music was pumping and everyone seemed to be in high spirits.
As the sun began to set and the last race was run, we headed back to town to catch some live music in Monroes.
Roll on day five - if I can last the pace!
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Winning jockey Jack Kennedy celebrated his huge win in the the Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap
Credit: Sportsfile
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Kimberly Mushayabasa from Meath and Tessy Ehiguese from Dublin stepped out in glamorous outfits
Credit: Andrew Downes
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Today marked Ladies Day at the Galway Races Festival
Credit: Andrew Downes
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Megan Cunniss from Galway was crowned winner of the Ella & Jo Best Dressed Lady Competition
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Smashing horse Ndaawi with jockey Jack Kennedy were crowned the winners of the Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap
Credit: Sportsfile
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