Mallavelly leads home Lyons 1-2 in Bulmers Live Handicap Successful on stable debut for Ger Lyons at Dundalk in March, Mallavelly recorded a first win on turf when holding the late run of stablemate Pier Pressure to land the Bulmers Live At Leopardstown Handicap. Having proved slightly disappointing on her second start, the four-year-old gave plenty encouragement when fifth at Limerick recently. Sent off 8/1 here under James Ryan, the David Spratt owned filly was always well placed, tracking the leaders in the first half dozen. Solomon led into the straight but was soon headed by market leader Tachos. Ryan came through to take second over a furlong out. Getting to the front 100 yards from the finish, Mallavelly then had to hold the late run of Pier Pressure, who stayed on from well back under Nicola Burns. “She ran in Limerick the last day and they over-watered, so the ground wasn’t as described. You can see the difference tonight,” said Lyons. “It worked out well there. That’s her, she’s at her level and she doesn’t kill herself. That’s her second for me. “She’s a fine filly and it’s grand for David (Spratt). I don’t think there is any more in her but we’ll keep doing that kind of thing and take what we can get.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
