Tuam native Leigh Roche gave a polished display of from the front riding to bring home Sian the winner of race two at Ballinrobe, the Bet €10 Get €10 At Thetote.com Apprentice Handicap.

The successful daughter of Antonius Pius (also the sire of the 'buzz' horse of the meeting, Like A Diamond in the 7.10) was led up by former trainer Cormac Farrell (back from America where he's ridden winners) and she's trained by Prunella Dobbs for owner/breeder Michael Slattery.

Sian (8s into 7s) was given most to do in the closing stages by Crouching Harry but she tenaciously stuck to her task to fend him off by two and a quarter lengths. The strong favourite, Sabaidee bidding for a hat-trick, had to settle for fourth, three and three parts and half a length back.

Mrs Dobbs said: "That was great. She had been knocking on the door on her last couple of starts.

"She's coming to herself now. She has balance and rhythm and stays forever.

"She's a very game mare. We'll have fun with her now and she likes this ground.

"I think we'll keep her on the flat for the rest of the season and go jumping with her next year. It's great for Michael as he also bred her."

The going on the flat track was changed from good to yielding following this race. (DM & EM)