Mahler opens jumping account in style

Presenting Mahler gained reward for her consistency when running out a cosy winner of the Michael Clune 70th Birthday Novice Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.

The John Ryan-trained mare had been placed five times over timber during the summer and got off the mark over jumps in fine style.

Andrew Lynch produced the 6/1 shot to lead two from home and she was soon in control to post a four-length success over Give Her Bach

The winner had also landed a bumper at Limerick last November.

"She is a very classy mare but took a while to win today. She did it easy and will go novice hurdling now - that's her job," said Ryan.

"That makes up for Jesmond Lodge yesterday (final fence faller) as I thought she was going very easy when she fell."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)