Ndaawi awarded Galway Hurdle in dramatic circumstances

First past the post Helvic Dream was demoted by the stewards, a ruling Noel Meade intends to appeal against

Thu, 31 Jul, 2025 - 17:48

Tommy Lyons, Ballybrit

The end of a pulsating renewal of the Guinness Galway Hurdle, run in front of a crowd of 24,381, required the intervention of the stewards, and though Helvic Dream was first past the post, he lost the race in the ensuing enquiry to give Gordon Elliott, trainer of the promoted Ndaawi, and jockey Jack Kennedy their first win in the country’s most valuable hurdle.

It also completed the big-race double for the County Meath trainer who won Wednesday’s Plate with Western Fold and, in a sport which requires more than a fair share of luck to go with talent, it meant that Elliott’s fellow ‘Royal’, trainer Noel Meade, had to settle for second place in both.

The race was fascinating to watch as Jalila Moriviere set the pace and held that position all the way to the approach to the final flight. By this stage, Ndaawi had been positioned to mount his challenge, while Helvic Dream, who was in the last couple of places early, had stealthily made his way through the field and was also poised to strike.

There were three in the air at the final obstacle, but it quickly developed into a match as Helvic Dream, now narrowly in front, went on with Ndaawi. The two came incredibly close together and Ndaawi, closest to the rails, had his rival leaning in hard against him virtually all the way from the final obstacle.

There was nothing to separate them as they galloped relentlessly to the post and as they hit the line Helvic Dream shaded the verdict, by a head, with Casheldale Lad in third.

Immediately and inevitably, a stewards’ enquiry was called and drone footage which gave overhead pictures and the evidence of the head-on camera showed just how close together the two had raced.

The stewards spoke to those involved and deliberated for quite a while before the announcement came that the placings would be reversed. Given the persistent interference, it is difficult to argue against the decision, even if no-one ever wants to see a race of this stature and value decided in the stewards’ room.

The last of this magnitude to be decided in this manner was the 2012 Group 1 Matron Stakes in which Duntle was first past the post but subsequently demoted to second behind the late Henry Cecil’s Chachamaidee.

“Noel is one of my greatest friends and there isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t talk. We have great banter — but that’s the way it goes, unfortunately,” said a magnanimous Elliott.

“The stewards have their jobs to do. Jack said it to me straight after the race and I was talking to Ruby as well and he felt we would definitely get it.

“We have won most of the big handicaps, so this is the race I wanted to win, although it is not a nice way to win it. It’s unbelievable to win the two big races here this week — I really can’t believe it.”

An understandably distraught Donagh Meyler, whose troubles were later exacerbated by a two-day suspension for careless riding, struggled to put it into words.

“It’s a horror story, really. It is what it is, and we’ll have to pick ourselves up off the ground and go again.”

Naturally, with a class-act like Meyler, that happened when he won the very next race.

Niall Cronin, head of communication for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), explained the stewards’ decision to reverse the placings: “Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence of both riders, the race-day stewards were satisfied that the first past the post had caused interference and with the winning margin being a head, they were satisfied that, as a consequence of the interference, the placings should be reversed.”

Meade later indicated he will appeal the decision.

He said: "I didn't think we'd lose it, considering the race and considering Jack didn't have to stop riding.

"I do believe in my heart and soul it's the wrong decision and I will appeal it."