Cyclone Dial-A-Bet appeal dismissed

Trainer Shark Hanlon is eyeing Ascot compensation with Hidden Cyclone after his appeal against the result of the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase was dismissed.

Hidden Cyclone finished second in Leopardstown’s Grade 1 on December 27, beaten three-quarters of a length by Benefficient, who got close to Hanlon’s inmate on the run-in.

Hanlon remains adamant the interference cost Hidden Cyclone victory, but is keen to move on after the Turf Club decided not to reverse the placings.

The Bagenalstown handler is now looking forward to a tilt at Ascot’s Sodexo Clarence House Chase, formerly known as the Victor Chandler, on January 18.

Hanlon said: “We had to give it (an appeal) a go. There was interference, there was a lot of money involved and it was a Grade One race.

“I still believe if the two horses had run straight to the line it would have been a different result, but there is no point going on about it now.

“The horse is in super form and the plan is to go to Ascot with him in two weeks for the Clarence House.”