Balmont awarded race in Stewards' Room

There was a controversial outcome to the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Handicap at Dundalk this evening with first-past-the-post First Friday demoted to second spot, behind Balmont Flyer following a Stewards' Enquiry.

First Friday, under Danny Mullins, had made virtually all of the running but displayed a tendency to hang slightly to the left. Inside the final furlong, Balmont Flyer, under Pat Smullen, arrived with a strong challenge but First Friday continued to hang a little off the running rail, moving Balmont Flyer marginally off his racing line.

At the winning post, just a nose separated the pair and an Enquiry was called. Most were of the opinion First Friday would keep the race but the marginal interference was sufficient for the Stewards to reverse the decision.

Balmont Flyer's trainer Joanna Morgan was not immediately available for comment.

Further reporting by Alan Magee