THE controversial decision by the Killarney stewards last week to declare void the race won by Stars Over The Sea was overturned at a brief appeal hearing held in Leopardstown on Thursday evening.

Trained by Henry de Bromhead, Stars Over The Sea was led in at the start for the Killarney flat race while the other runners waited for him. As a result, David Roche's mount got a headstart on the others and proceeded to win by five lengths.

The stewards called an enquiry and decided that, as a fair start had not been effected, they were bound to declare the race void under Rule 10 which gives them the powers to do so under any circumstances once they forward their reasons to the governing bodies within 48 hours.

However, the legal team representing Stars Over The Sea lodged an appeal on the basis that Rule 209 states: "The starter's decision as to the fairness of the start shall be final."

In what was thought to be a first, the Turf Club did not contest the appeal and so the judge's placings were reinstated. They are:

1. Stars Over The Sea

2. Ancient Sands

3. Clondaw Warrior

4. The Golden Punto

MORE ON THIS STORY IN THE IRISH FIELD THIS WEEKEND