Sport

A confident vote is given to Holiway Star

THERE are many race-courses in this country that could learn from the Killarney experience

By JOHN KELLY
Tue Jul 16 1996 - 01:00

THERE are many race-courses in this country that could learn from the Killarney experience. The Irish Horse Racing Authority rates the Co Kerry track as 11th of the 26 tracks in this country in terms of attendance, sponsorship and betting turnover and the rating is well earned.

The sport may have gone through some difficult times over the last few years, but Killarney is reaping the rewards of some sterling work performed by the likes of former secretary Finbarr Slattery and now by the present secretary, Michael Doyle.

Indeed, Killarney races has developed into a great social occasion as well as providing some very competitive racing both on the flat and over the jumps.

Tonight's card, the second day of the Diamond Jubilee four-day festival meeting, has attracted 57 runners, including Sandown's Whitbread Gold Cup (Handicap Chase) winner Life Of A Lord in the opening race, the Smirnoff Handicap Chase.

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Given a peach of a ride on that famous occasion last April by Charlie Swan, Life Of A Lord ran on strongly up the hill to beat Proud Sun by a length and a half. However, Swan has decided to partner stable-companion Holiway Star and the decision should not be ignored.

If last year's races-run tally is anything to go by, Holiway Star is a tough horse who thrives on a busy schedule. Aidan O'Brien's Fools Holme gelding ran a total of 22 times, winning on five occasions.

Alter an eight months absence, he made his reappearance at Roscommon in May and finished a length behind Cable Beach in a two-mile handicap chase. That run certainly flattered the runner-up as Cable Beach had been struck into in the early stages of that event and suffered a serious cut to his near-hind.

Nevertheless, Holiway Star is a useful sort and one is not likely to question Swan's decision.

Course specialist Merry People carries topweight in the Great Southern Hotel Long Distance Handicap Hurdle and may find it tough going to concede 11lbs to Le Grande Bard.

Pentire has hardened to 3 to 1 favourite with Coral for Ascot's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes a week on Saturday after Kildangan Stud Irish Oaks flop Lady Carla was removed from the firm's ante-post list. Kevin Prendergast's Oscar Schindler is quoted at 12 to 1.

Coral's latest betting: 3-1 Pentire, 4-1 Shaamit, 5-1 Swain, 11-2 Classic Cliche, 10-1 Strategic Choice, 12-1 Halling, Farasan and Oscar Schindler, 16-1 Singspiel, 20-1 Glory of Dancer and Luso, 25-1 bar.