Controversy reigns as Kilkenny jockey misses out on big race success

There was a dramatic ending to the feature race on Day 4 of the Galway Festival as despite finishing past the post in first spot Helvic Dream and Kilkenny jockey Donagh Meyler were demoted to second place in the Galway Hurdle after causing interference to subsequent winner Ndaawi.

Meyler's mount is a Group 1 winner on the flat for trainer Noel Meade and the 8 year-old looked to have timed his run to perfection but after leaning in on the winner near the inside rail and only a head as the winning margin, a stewards enquiry was called.

The two affected jockeys Meyler and Jack Kennedy were both called into the stewards room and after much deliberation, the result was eventually called and it was especially bad luck for Meade who was also second in the Galway Plate the night before.

Kilmacow native Meyler did get over the disappointment rather quickly after he guided Strong Link to victory in the Guinness Novice Hurdle less than a half an hour later and added to his win aboard Jerrari for Jessica Harrington on the opening night last Monday, it's been a successful weeks thus far for the Kilkenny jockey.

With three days still to come at Ballybrit, Meyler will be looking for more glory even if the Galway Hurdle setback will sting for a while yet.