The Ger Lyons trained Sandstorming justified strong 1/1f favouritism to win the Mallow Maiden at Cork today, winning on the nod under jockey Colin Keane.

Both Sandstorming and 11/4 second favourite Zabalan passed the post together but the ‘jolly’ was called the head winner, to provide Sandstorming with a win on his first run since last June.

Afterwards Shane Lyons, assistant to his brother Ger, stated “we’re happy with that as we couldn’t wait any longer to get him away from home, because he does nothing at home.

“He’s bone idle and he wants a minimum 1m4f but was as fit as we could get him at home. He’ll come on buckets for that, Colin said he handled that ground but obviously he won’t have a problem with a little ease. He has a bit of class but does nothing at home and was gawking when he hit the front today.

“He’s a kind natured horse but we had to bring him here to do some work and we’ll look for a handicap now.”

By Tom Weekes