Fresh racing row erupts over controversial result as punters blast ‘ridiculous decision’

A FRESH racing row has erupted over ANOTHER controversial stewards’ decision – with the runner-up saying he was ‘shocked’ the winner wasn’t demoted.

Jody McGarvey simply could not believe that his horse Vina Ardanza was not named winner after being barged into by Willie Mullins’ Saldier.

McGarvey went down by a nose in the novice chase at Killarney on Sunday.

But he thought the interference suffered when Saldier clattered into him at the last was enough to cost him victory.

It took stewards an agonising ten minutes to announce an enquiry was even being called.

McGarvey, who was riding Gordon Elliott’s 2-1 chance, felt sure he would get awarded the win, only to find out the result stood.

He said: “I was confident going into the stewards’ room that I would get the race and I was shocked when I didn’t.

“The bump I got cost me half a length, maybe even a length, and I lost by a nose.

“I was nearly knocked off and lost my balance so it had to cost me at least a half a length.

“On my way back to the parade ring I looked at the big screen and didn’t see any mention of an enquiry at all. I couldn’t believe it.

“As I was weighing in I asked if there was any sign of an enquiry. There was still nothing announced even at that stage.

“Eventually they called one and I was confident they would change the result.

“I’d say I thought it was 70-30 in my favour, but they didn’t change it and I have to say I was shocked.”

The latest fiasco comes after an investigation was opened into a Rachael Blackmore ride that sparked controversy.

It appeared the trailblazing jockey rode a circuit too soon at Killbeggan before eventually finishing fourth.

The Grand National heroine denied making any such mistake.

But regarding McGarvey’s ride, punters thought it was ‘ridiculous’ the placings weren’t switched.

One wrote: “That’s reversed everywhere else in the world.”

Another said ‘surprising verdict’ while one comment read: “I’m completely perplexed as to how they can justify that decision.”

Not everyone agreed though, with some suggesting the interference was in fact pretty minimal.