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IRELAND: Stewards Take Matron Stakes From Duntle

3 minute read

Stewards made a controversial decision to reverse the decision after the David Wachman-trained Duntle had scraped home by narrow margin n the G1 Coolmore Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday,

She lost the race in the steward's room to Sir Henry Cecil's mare Chachamaidee after a lengthy hearing into intereference in the straight.

Duntle had to wait to secure her run in the straight and her rider Wayne Lordan was judged to have to forced the issue rubbing off Alanza from the furlong pole and in turn impeding runner-up Chachamaidee.

There was only a short head between Duntle and Chachamaidee as they crossed the line with last year's winner Emulous a half a length back in third.

While the margin was close it was a surprise to many when the judge's placings were amended after an inquiry that lasted 30 minutes.

Wachman trains Duntle for the Niarchos family whilst the first-time blinkered Chachamaidee was ridden by Tom Queally for Sir Henry Cecil.

Queally said: "Your always biased towards your own animal. I felt quite strongly though and expressed my views to the stewards.

"It's not the way you like to win but it was a well-deserved win for Chachamaidee.

"It wasn't an easy decision for anyone but I think they've got it right here.

"I had intentionally come wide to avoid all the scrimmaging."

Duntle was going for three straight after wins in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot and the Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown last month.

Chachamaidee was second in the Windsor Forest at Royal Ascot and won the Lennox Stakes at Glorious Goodwood before she was beaten less than two lengths in the Celebration Mile.

Last season she was second to Sahpresa in the G1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket.