< Magnum Force sprung a minor surprise to steal the plaudits on a mixed card at Roscommon.

Sent off a 12-1 shot for the Pyramid Bookmakers Hurdle, Colin McBratney's charge exploited the mistake of odds-on favourite Grey Soldier at the last.

The pair looked set for a proper battle on the run-in but the 1-2 chance clattered the final flight, allowing Andrew McNamara to push on aboard Magnum Force for a one-and-three-quarter-length victory.

"He jumped great, it was 50-50 going to the last and he jumped the last well," said McNamara.

Shane Butler completed his lengthy recovery from a shoulder injury as he steered Echua (9-4) to a eight-length romp in the www.roscommonracecourse At Eircom.net Maiden Hurdle.

"I suppose we'll have to think about Galway now after that performance. It was probably a moderate enough contest," said winning handler Seamus Fahey.

"It's great for Shane, it's his first winner back since his injury and he was out for eight or nine months."

Jessica Harrington is famed for her handling of horses such as Moscow Flyer over obstacles, but she struck on the level with Roicead (5-1) in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

"The fellow had a nice run at Fairyhouse, he can run a bit free and he hardly got around the first bend but I'm delighted with him," said Harrington.

"He's fair old machine and we'll look for a handicap next on a flat track, somewhere like the Curragh, with plenty of runners so he can get some cover."

The Chris Hayes-ridden Strandhill (5-4) obliged for favourite backers in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden, holding off Ultra Cool by a head.

Winning trainer Brian Nolan said: "I think the visors might have just helped her, she was going on again when she got to the line."

Declan McDonogh got a winner on the board as Gagnant took the Ladies Day At Roscommon On July 5th Handicap as the 11-4 favourite.