Galway Hurdle result ratified as Helvic Dream connections lose appeal
Trainer Noel Meade was present at Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board HQ on Wednesday evening as his appeal was rejected.
Helvic Dream passed the post first under Donagh Meyler at the Galway Festival last month, but stewards deemed that there was interference and as a result, second-placed Ndaawi - ridden by Jack Kennedy - was promoted to winner for trainer Gordon Elliott, with Helvic dream moved down to second place.
Speaking to Racing TV after the conclusion of the Galway Hurdle, Meade said "I do believe in my heart and soul it's the wrong decision and I will appeal it. I suppose that's only my opinion but it is my opinion and I will appeal it."
In a statement confirming that the appeal had been dismissed, Mrs Justice Siobhan Keegan spoke on behalf of the appeals board and said "The ultimate decision that we have to reach is whether the stewards erred in their decision on the day and whether we should uphold the decision or reach a different view on this.
"Having viewed all the recordings of the race and considered all of the evidence we have to come to our decision, mindful that these determinations are on the balance of probabilities. We also want to say that we can well see why an appeal has been brought in this case.
"In coming to our conclusion... we cannot be satisfied that the stewards erred in their decision to reverse the placings.
"In summary that is because interference has occurred, and it was caused by Mr Meyler. Whilst Mr Kennedy's horse may not have obviously lost its own momentum, he was clearly significantly pressed for space so near the rail and he was not able to ride his strongest race. We must therefore dismiss the appeal." Donagh Meyler on Helvic Dream (right) crosses the line first ahead of Jack Kennedy on Ndaawi in The Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap (Grade C) only for the result to be reversed after a stewards inquiry (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy)
Speaking to Racing TV on Wednesday evening, Meade expressed disappointment at the decision, and while he confirmed that he would appeal again in a similar situation, he was pleased to have been given a fair hearing where he could present his case.
"We did indeed (Get a fair hearing). look, we knew going in, we were on a long shot because when they have changed the result, it's going to be difficult to change it back," said Meade.
"But we did feel that we had reason to appeal it, and we got a very fair hearing.
"They gave us back back our deposit and said it was certainly ... the appeal was very legitimate and that we had every reason to appeal.
"So to be honest, we, we, we felt vindicated for that, didn't get the money, but that's it. Look, that's racing."
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