The Darrell Deacon trained Tudor Fashion was rewarded for some consistent recent efforts when winning the opening Book Online @ fairyhouse.ie Mares Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse today, under John Cullen.

The daughter of Presenting had been placed on her last five starts and in the prizemoney on her last six races but finally got her head in front where it mattered today, beating Hell Cat Maggie by a neck.

Nine to four favourite Feenakilmeedy all but fell at the first flight but to her credit she did get back into contention. Predictably though, she finished a well beaten ninth.

Following Tudor Fashion's win, Deacon stated “she deserved that and we're delighted! Alfie (Walsh) deserves it more than anyone as he's been waiting a long time.

“She's a nice mare and we'll probably go over fences with her now. I'll have to discuss it with Alfie but John (Cullen) always said she'd jump a fence.

“She's maybe still learning a bit but has a nice national hunt pedigree and it's good for the family, which we have at home. I hope to run her brother in a point-to-point on Sunday.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson