Meade loses appeal over Galway Hurdle demotion Noel Meade’s bid to overturn the Galway Hurdle result has been dismissed after a detailed appeals process. Appeal over Galway Hurdle result dismissed Noel Meade has lost his appeal against the decision of the Galway stewards to reverse the placing of the first two horses in the Guinness Galway Handicap Hurdle which saw first past the post Helvic Dream demoted to second place. The Appeals Body, chaired by Mrs Justice Siobhan Keegan, met on 13 August 2025 to consider Meade’s challenge to the ruling from 31 July 2025. On the day of the race, the Raceday Stewards investigated possible interference in the closing stages between Ndaawi, ridden by J W Kennedy, and Helvic Dream, ridden by D Meyler. They concluded Helvic Dream had caused interference, improving its position, and reversed the placings. Meade’s grounds for appeal included that there was only minor contact, Ndaawi had sufficient room, no break in momentum occurred, it was a racing incident, and the original result reflected the true performances. Evidence reviewed and reasons for dismissal During the hearing, evidence was taken from both riders, both trainers, and visual footage including drone and fixed-camera angles. Expert opinion was given on the interpretation of drone footage, with consensus that it can alter perceptions of space. Meade argued that Helvic Dream was the best horse and that Ndaawi was never going to pass him. Meyler stated that both horses leaned on each other from the last hurdle and that Ndaawi always had room. Kennedy contended that interference from 150 yards out restricted his ability to ride strongly, likening it to “two cars locked together.” Elliott maintained Ndaawi would have won with a clear run. Mrs Justice Keegan’s ruling acknowledged valid points on both sides but found that interference occurred, caused by Meyler, and that Kennedy was significantly pressed for space near the rail, preventing him from riding his strongest race. “We must therefore dismiss the appeal,” she concluded. The final result was confirmed as: First: Ndaawi (GB) Second: Helvic Dream Third: Casheldale Lad Fourth: Tounsivator (FR) Fifth: Gaucher (GB) Sixth: Jalila Moriviere (FR)
