Dromlease Express lands Pierse Hurdle Dromlease Express benefited from a patient Johnny Allen ride to land the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown today. The 6-1 joint-favourite was held up at the rear of the 19-runner field by the 7lb claimer, as Larkhill Jo cut out the running at a good pace in the 130,000 contest. On the run to the penultimate flight, Macs Joy went on pressed by Georges Girl with Dromlease Express making relentless headway on the outside. Producing a good turn of foot, the Charles Byrne-trained Dromlease Express quickened to lead at the last and a good jump there settled the issue. The six-year-old only had to be kept up to his work to beat Macs Joy (14-1) by three and a half lengths. Georges Girl (7-1) was third with Steel Band (20-1) back in fourth. Beechcourt, the other market leader, flattered briefly coming off the final bend but soon cried enough and dropped out of contention as the principals went on.
