Galvic Dream's challenge against the Galway Hurdle's verdict gets turned down
IHRB Upholds Decision to Demote Helvic Dream in Galway Hurdle
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) has upheld the stewards' decision to demote Helvic Dream from first to second place in the Galway Hurdle. This decision was made following a hearing on Wednesday to consider an appeal.
The stewards' decision was based on perceived interference in the race, specifically between Helvic Dream and Ndaawi. Jack Kennedy, the jockey for Ndaawi, reported that his horse was significantly pressed for space due to the actions of Donagh Meyler, who was the jockey for Helvic Dream.
The Appeals Body, led by Mrs Justice Siobhán Keegan, reviewed all evidence including various race recordings and drone footage. Although the appeal team tried to use drone footage to support their case, the panel noted that such footage might distort perceptions and should be considered supplementary rather than decisive.
The panel concluded on the balance of probabilities that the stewards did not err in their original ruling. They determined that the interference occurred in the home straight where Helvic Dream and Ndaawi were running very close to each other, with Ndaawi being squeezed against the far rail and short of room. This affected the fairness of the race outcome.
Meanwhile, in other racing news, Power Blue defeated True Love in the Phoenix Stakes. Aidan O'Brien, the trainer of True Love, was not involved in the Voltigeur race.
In a separate incident, Donagh Meyler's actions caused interference in the Galway Hurdle, according to the Appeals Body. However, Aidan O'Brien is not involved in the Voltigeur race.
The deposit for the appeal was returned to Meade, who was representing Helvic Dream in the appeal. The Appeals Body will decide whether to uphold the decision or reach a different view on the Galway Hurdle.
Elsewhere, Field Of Gold will not participate in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
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Helvic Dream's demotion in the Galway Hurdle was not only due to its first-place finish, but also because of its involvement in a racing incident with Ndaawi, as per the decision upheld by the Appeals Body. In another racing event, a horse named Power Blue outraced True Love in the Phoenix Stakes, highlighting the competitive nature of horse-racing.
