First for Hogan on flat as Curtis doubles up

A short head separated the first two home, in division one of the Roscommon Herald Handicap, for the third time in four races at the Western venue this afternoon. Norah Starr just getting the better of Shanrod this time, completing a double for jockey Ben Curtis (won the first on Sportsmaster .

The winner having her first run in handicap company showed little on her three effort in maidens, finishing well behind Royal Blue Star on her last start at Navan. The increase in trip and change in ground made all the difference for the 20/1 shot today.

The winner and the runner-up disputed the led throughout, with Norah Starr getting marginally ahead over a furlong out, however Shanrod (10/1) came back with a late renewed effort but just failed in taking the spoils.

The front pair went three and a half lengths clear from the third placed horse Follyfoot at 10/1.

Winning trainer Denis Hogan said afterwards: "Ben got off her the last day and said she wants a bit of juice in the ground and further. So I was delighted to see the rain this morning and it made all the difference.

"She is a nice big mare and she will go back to jumping hurdles and maybe even a fence in time.

"She is my first winner on the flat and she is the only one I have for the flat.

"Unfortunately I'm too heavy to ride her myself!"