Ndaawi gains dramatic Galway Hurdle in stewards room

The Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap provided a dramatic finish with Ndaawi getting the €270,000 highlight in the stewards room after losing out by a head to Helvic Dream

Helvic Dream jumped to the front under Donagh Meyler at the final flight but was pressed all the way up the run-in by Ndaawi with the pair drawing clear of the remainder.

The Noel Meade-trained 8/1 shot edged right and made contact with Jack Kennedy’s mount who had little room against the rail inside the final 100 yards.

A head separated the pair at the line with Casheldale Lad five and a half lengths back in third and Tounsivator completing the places in fourth.

A protracted stewards enquiry eventually decided that the interference was significant enough to reverse the places and the victory for 13/2 chance Ndaawi completed a big race Galway double for Gordon Elliott who also saddled Western Fold to win yesterday’s Plate.

Elliott said, "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. The stewards have their jobs to do, and Jack said he'd get it straightaway after the race. I was talking to Ruby (Walsh) as well and he felt we would definitely get it.

"The Earls are big supporters of mine, we go back to Day Dot nearly and my first Cheltenham winner Chicago Grey was for Michael(Earls)’s brother so it is great.

"Noel (Meade) is one of my greatest friends and there isn't a day goes by that we don't talk and we have great banter but that's the way it goes unfortunately.

"There is a 150,000 dollar Flat race in America for him in October now.

"It is unbelievable to win the two big races here this week and the horses have all run well. I can't believe it."

Ndaawi was second to Nurburgring in this race 12 months ago and also filled the runner-up spot in the County Hurdle at this year's Cheltenham Festival.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes