Collier not sure to make Irish Classic

Collier Hill faces a race against time if he is to make his seasonal reappearance in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh on September 15.

Alan Swinbank’s popular globe-trotting nine-year-old, who has won approaching £2.5m in prize-money, has been off the track since his victory in the Hong Kong Vase in December.

Collier Hill was being prepared for the Dubai Sheema Classic in March, but had to miss the race at the 11th hour after an old problem with his joints flared up.

“Either Collier Hill or Alfie Flits will run in the Irish St Leger, but I don’t know if I can get Collier Hill ready for that race,” said Swinbank.

“He’s coming along nicely and he’s standing a bit more training this time round, and it would be nice if I could get him back for that.

“He loves his work and he’s never looked as well. I don’t know if this will be his last year or not, we’ll just take it race by race.

“He prefers a bit of cut, but he won in Hong Kong on fast ground. It just helps his joints keep right as he’s on medication all the time.

“He’s won over £2m though, so he owes us nothing and he’s got a box here for life.”