A Flying Start for Stanners Edward Stanners, an employee of Gordon Richards for twenty three years, made a name for himself in his own right when training privately in Britain for George Ward. Stanners reckons he sent out about eighteen winners in that capacity. A few years ago, in a stint in this country, Aiden Murphy, the bloodstock agent, supplied Stanners with the ammunition to win a few point-to-points. Now back in Ireland for a season and a half, he is training principally for Murphy´s brother, Jack Christopher, in what he describes as a family affair. Sporting the white with purple diamond Murphy silks, Scenic Rush served notice of what was to come when a close up fifth at Clonmel last Thursday night. Just three days later at Tralee, the same colours were carried to success in the Racing Here Again on August 19th (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race by 33/1 shot Maid Of Malabar. The Innishannon, Co. Cork handler explained, "We knew Maid Of Malabar was on a par with Scenic Rush so she was well-fancied despite her price. She is a nice mare and there is plenty of improvement in her. I was delighted for David Splaine who rode her as it was his first success as a claiming professional." Stanners also praised James Hannon who rides for him and his head-girl, Helen White, whilst also mentioning that he has six or seven in at the minute, including a three-year-old full-sister to Maid Of Malabar. He has a public licence but would hope to always have quality over quantity. Eamonn Murphyhy
