Trainer Noel Dooly to Appeal After Controversial Stewards Decision at Thurles

Ella Herbison was denied her first winner in Ireland on Thursday when stewards demoted The Monkey Pole from first place following a beginners’ chase at Thurles.

The 2m2f contest saw The Monkey Pole edge out the 9-4 favourite Might Be The One by a nose. Following an inquiry into interference at the final fence, the placings were reversed, leaving trainer Noel Dooly furious with the decision.

Trainer Lodges Immediate Appeal

“I was as surprised as everyone else that it got overturned,” Noel Dooly told Racing Post. “I didn’t think a brief rub while jumping a fence was enough to turn a result around.”

Dooly stated he could not find anyone who agreed with the outcome at the track. “That’s the decision they made but I don’t think you’d find too many people who would agree with them. I couldn’t find anyone in Thurles who agreed with it,” he told Racing Post.

Stewards Conclude The Monkey Pole Caused Interference

According to the stewards’ report, Herbison acknowledged that The Monkey Pole had jumped left at the final fence and made slight contact with Might Be The One, while maintaining there was always room for her rival. Darragh O’Keeffe, rider of Might Be The One, told the inquiry he received a bump from his right on take-off, causing his mount to become unbalanced on landing.

The stewards concluded that The Monkey Pole caused interference and, given the nose margin, was satisfied it improved his finishing position. Dooly disputed the significance of the contact. “It was minimal what happened, it was in mid-air,” he told Racing Post.

Emotional Aftermath for the Jockey

The trainer expressed disappointment for Herbison, who had completed the winner’s presentation before learning of the demotion. “It was her first winner in Ireland,” Dooly told Racing Post. “She’s gutted, she couldn’t believe it.”

Dooly questioned whether rider experience played a role in the stewards’ room. “Maybe that made a difference in the stewards’ room; it was Ella getting her first winner against Darragh O’Keeffe,” he told Racing Post, adding that he would definitely lodge an appeal.

Another result was overturned on the same card after an inquiry into the 2m4f mares’ handicap hurdle. Stewards reversed the placings of Shoda and Fratas, promoting Fratas to first place following interference on the running rail.