Serenade opens hurdling account Sunday Serenade made a winning debut over jumps when claiming the opening mares maiden hurdle at Tramore in good style. Davy Russell tracked the leaders on the daughter of Flemensfirth before sending her to the front two from home. Peter Fahey's charge galloped on well in the closing stages to post a four-and-a-quarter length winning margin over the front-runner Davinia's Tip. Supreme Ballerina was sent off the 11/10 favourite but was struggling from the top bend after racing mid-divison. She eventually plugged on to finish fourth. The 3/1 winner had been just behind the market leader when the pair were sixth and ninth in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham last month. “She did it well. I was fairly confident she would turn the tables with Willie (Mullins') filly as the race at Cheltenham came too soon and she needed it over there,” said Fahey. “She settled way better today and the ear plugs helped as well. The ground doesn't really seem to matter to her, she goes on most, but she'd be better suited by a better galloping track. “She'll go for a winners of one novice next. I thought she might replace Shop DJ and she's starting to show that now. “It's great for the owner Michael Moloney, who is from Dungarvan and bred her as well." Russell was having his first ride since Sir Des Champs crashed out in the John Durkan last Sunday and showed there were no ill effects from that tumble. (Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
