Pearls Galore outclasses rivals on handicap bow

The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies’ Handicap was won in highly impressive fashion by Pearls Galore (10/3 fav) ridden by Billy Lee.

The daughter of Invincible Spirit proved to be extremely well-treated by an initial mark of 87 after her maiden win at Limerick.

She raced prominently throughout towards the far side of the straight track and travelled notably easily. Lee let out some rein after the two furlong marker and his mount strode clear to easily beat Abeona and Lady Scathach by four and a half lengths and half a length.

Th winner had two unplaced runs last year for Freddy Head in France and has now won both her starts since arriving in Ireland.

Winning trainer Paddy Twomey said: “She is a handy filly and I was a little concerned about her carrying that weight but I thought this was the race for her and I hoped she'd win it.

"I think it is hard on a filly to step from a maiden straight into a Stakes race and I felt she could be competitive in a handicap.

“I haven't thought past today but the aim would be to try and win a Stakes race with her.

“She is nice filly and I'm thrilled she did what she did."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes