In the IREX book on p268, the diagram under the heading "The Standard Holding Pattern" shows a pattern with left hand turns, and all the other examples & diagrams shown in this section of the book are also all holding patterns with left hand turns. But in AIP ENR 1.5-28 (3.1..3) it says that right turn holding patterns are standard -?

Please re-read AIP again
3.1.3 Right turns holding patterns are standard holding patterns and must be flown unless the AIP chart depicts, or ATC directs, otherwise.

Thanks for the reply and sorry maybe my actual question wasn't clear - if right-turn holds are in fact standard (as per AIP), why does the Bob Tait book label a diagram showing left-turn holds as "The Standard Holding Pattern"?

Nah it was my bad. I should've look at the page 268. and check the photo.
Good attention to details!

I'm not normally a pedantic person! But everything I hear & read about this exam tells me you need to bring a micro-detailed, literal approach to the study and the exam itself, hence this question and some others I've asked on this forum.
Thanks

The diagram on Page 268 was intended to Illustrate the procedures only. However, I do agree that the AIP definition, for some strange reason, says that the 'standard' holding pattern is based on right-hand turns. I have amended the diagram to show right -hand turns. Thanks for your feed-back. It is most appreciated.