Racing: Oscar Schindler shows he is a Classic act

Oscar Schindler, third in last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, made a timely return to form with a second successive victory in yesterday's Irish St Leger at The Curragh and now heads back to Paris two weeks today. The giant chestnut five-year-old's season thus far has been restricted to just four runs because of illness, but he looked very much his old self as he beat Persian Punch a comfortable two lengths, and his trainer Kevin Prendergast said: "He'll improve for that and it's all systems go for the Arc."

Stephen Craine always had plenty of horse under him as he cruised between Persian Punch and pacesetting Whitewater Affair a quarter of a mile out, but the Group One race proved a disastrous temporary farewell for Frankie Dettori, who finished tailed off on a most disappointing Classic Cliche.

A six-day ban for a riding offence means the Italian will not return to action until Ascot next Saturday - the anniversary of the famous seven- timer that cost the bookmaking industry pounds 30 million - and while he finished last in Ireland his chief rival Kieren Fallon made hay in England, establishing what may be a decisive lead at the head of the jockeys' table.

At Newbury Fallon was the immediate beneficiary of Pat Eddery's enforced defection for the season with victories in the first two races on Bin Rosie and Arkadian Hero, both of whom were due to be ridden by the injured reigning champion. And the wind that served Eddery so ill may yet blow Fallon back on to Bosra Sham's back, from which he was sacked after the filly's Eclipse Stakes defeat.

His ride on Bin Rosie in the Amerada Stakes marked his first association with Wafic Said, Bosra Sham `s owner, since the fateful day at Sandown, and after the race Tim Bulwer-Long, the Syrian businessman's manager, was placatory in tone. He said: "No decision has yet been made about who will ride Bosra Sham in future, but Kieren is an excellent jockey and rode a good race for us today."

Fallon showed his efficacy with a vengeance on Arkadian Hero in the Mill Reef Stakes, driving the 4-9 favourite clear more than two furlongs out. The Trempolino colt hated the sticky ground and was stopping all the way to the line, but had just enough of a start to scramble home by a head from the unconsidered - and arguably unlucky, for he lost ground by drifting off the rails to the centre of the course - Jimmy Two.

But if Arkadian Hero, trained by Luca Cumani for Michael Tabor, did not impress, Xaar, consummately easy winner of the Prix de la Salamandre at Longchamp, certainly did.

Khaled Abdullah's son of Zafonic, who now has the Dewhurst Stakes in his sights, turned the tables on his surprise Prix Morny conqueror Charge D`Affaires with a vengeance, producing a sparking burst of speed for Olivier Peslier approaching the final furlong. His three-length victory was as impressive a performance by a two-year-old as has been seen all season, but Andre Fabre's charge must overcome centuries of tradition to emulate his sire at Newmarket next spring. No English Classic winner's name has yet begun with the letter X.

More light may be thrown on the juvenile pecking order today when King Of Kings will attempt to straighten his dented image in the National Stakes at the Curragh. His stablemate Saratoga Springs misses the race.

Europe's richest sprint handicap, the Ayr Gold Cup, went to the Richard Hannon-trained Wildwood Flower, who defied a 7lb penalty to scored by a cosy three-quarters of a length under Dane O'Neill.