Laurina sparkles on successful Irish bow

Laurina (1-4 fav) looks another fine prospect for the Willie Mullins stable to go to war with judging by her taking victory in the opening Online Tickets From www.tramore-racecourse.com Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The French import never gave her supporters an anxious moment as she cruised round under Paul Townend before easing into the lead approaching the penultimate flight of hurdles.

She was in no danger thereafter and quickly drew away from Mag Brady to score by 15 lengths.

Townend said afterwards: "She was very good. She's a tank of a filly and is like sitting on a gelding.

"She loved the ground and had the experience in France. She was showing us that at home and to be honest we would have been disappointed if she didn't do that.

"If they can keep her in one piece they will have fun with her."

Townend completed a double on the afternoon when Terrible Beauty (12-1) ran out an easy winner of the Tramore Annual Badge - Great Gift For Christmas Maiden Hurdle.

Seskin Flyer (11-1) was delivered with perfect timing by jockey Andrew Ring as he defeated Princess Mahler by half a length in the www.tramore-racecourse.com Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old was kept wide in search of better ground for much of the two-mile contest but jumped to the front at the last before holding on gamely to complete a first career success.

Winning trainer Pat Carey said: "He lost a shoe before the race and we were nearly withdrawing him. I got a farrier at the track and it's turned out to be a lucky shoe.

"He's a real chaser and we said we might sneak a hurdle with him. He nearly fell at the first and then he jumped the height of the shed over the second.

"I told Andrew to just creep away and see what happens. He stays further and I'm delighted with him."