Curtain Call's Derby appeal dismissed

THE TURF Club have stood by the controversial decision to allow the Irish Derby placings remain unaltered and dismissed the appeal by the connections of Curtain Call at the Curragh yesterday.

There was widespread surprise on Derby day earlier this month when the Aidan O'Brien-trained Alessandro Volta was allowed to keep fourth place after a stewards inquiry, despite having caused interference to a number of runners in the straight.

Curtain Call appeared to be the worst affected by Alessandro Volta's hanging to the left and had to be dramatically snatched up by Fran Berry at the furlong pole.

The Luca Cumani-trained colt finished fifth in the race, and yesterday's appeal was based on his connections' belief that he should have been automatically placed ahead of Alessandro Volta.

However, after a lengthy hearing at which evidence was heard from Cumani, Berry and Alessandro Volta's jockey John Murtagh, yesterday's appeals body decided there was substantial doubt as to whether Alessandro Volta improved his placing in relation to Curtain Call as a result of the interference.

"It's disappointing, but we have to move on now," Cumani said afterwards.

Another appeal into Cler's demotion from a dead-heat at Killarney eight days ago was also dismissed. Cler was placed second to Grantsville in a hurdle race at the July festival for interference before the last flight.