Harwood hails ‘trainer’s dream’ Starkey

GUY HARWOOD yesterday paid a warm tribute to his former stable jockey Greville Starkey, who died on Wednesday at the age of 70 after an eight-year battle with cancer.

The now-retired Pulborough trainer formed a formidable partnership with Starkey in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

They won a host of big races both at home and abroad with legends of the turf that included the great Dancing Brave, Ela-Mana-Mou, Kalaglow, Lear Fan, Rousillon, Recitation and Sadeem.

Harwood and Starkey enjoyed Classic success in the 2000 Guineas with To-Agori-Mou in 1981 and Dancing Brave five years later.

“I best remember Greville for his dedication, hard work and being a really great jockey, even more as a stable jockey,” said Harwood.

“He was a trainer’s dream in so many ways that he was such a good judge of every horse he rode and that makes a trainer’s life ever so much easier.

“He was a great character, he was full of life and a great party man.

“Many of our victories stand out, for me particularly I think Kalaglow in the King George at Ascot. Greville rode a tremendous race that day.”

“There’s obviously the Guineas winners we had together, both in France and in England. A horse called Olympic Glory when he won the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot also springs to mind.

“That was a fantastic ride. He came through on the rail and there wasn’t a lick of paint between him and the horse next door to him. That was an amazing performance.

“He was a great man and had a terrific feel for his horses, he used to ride beautifully.

“He understood his horses better than any other jockey I’ve ever known,” said Harwood.