Racing: Volano eased after defeat

Volano lost his position at the head of the Triumph Hurdle market when second to 25-1 chance Kirat at Sandown yesterday. In a slowly-run event, Mick Fitzgerald looked to have the race won on the turn into the straight when kicking clear on the 2-5 favourite but Norman Williamson sent the Gary Moore-trained Kirat in pursuit and they drew upsides at the final flight. Volano's trainer, Nicky Henderson, was inclined to blame the early pace for Volano's defeat. "It was a mucky race and these things happen," he said. Volano was eased from 10-1 to 16-1 for the Triumph by Victor Chandler, whose new 14-1 co-favourites are Prizeman, Tempo D'Or and Londoner. Gary Moore has not even entered Kirat for the Festival. He will instead be aimed at either Aintree or Punchestown. "He only cost 3,000 guineas out of Roger Charlton's yard" said Moore.