Equipped with first time cheek-pieces Shadagann defied top-weight in the Athlone Apprentice Handicap under Sean Corby at Roscommon.

Michael Halford 's charge, narrowly denied a maiden victory, at the Listowel Festival last time, soon led in this mile and a half event.

The son of Invincible Spirit then found plenty for pressure in the straight and at the line the 9/2 second favourite had a comfortable four and a half lengths in hand over Brog Deas Nua

Unfortunately market-leader Mr Snagsby sustained an injury and had to be pulled up in the closing stages. He was put down.

Halford said: "He ran a great race in Listowel and he just got mugged on the line. He had plenty -of weight today and a wide draw but Sean is riding great and I would say the cheek-pieces helped him a bit as well - they just made it easier for him to concentrate.

"It is nice to win for Paul (Rooney, winning owner) as he has been patient with him. We bought him a year ago out of John Oxx's and he should be able to pay his way and give Paul a bit of fun.

"Paul (from Castlewellan) has been a great supporter of the yard win, lose or draw.

"Sean is a very good rider. He is after progressing really well all the year and he is getting better each month. He has got a great sense of pace and what is going on around him and he is going the right way." (DM & EM)