Shamash and Shadagann wins make it a smashing night for Trainer Halford

Trainer Michael Halford took the honours when saddling a mixed double, with Shamash and Shadagann in Sligo last night.

The Aga Khan-owned Shamash, stepping-up in trip and wearing cheekpieces for the first time, was kept wide throughout the Sligo Champion Supporting Sligo GAA Maiden before forging clear to slam the well-backed Crossandra by five and a half lengths.

“The ground and the longer trip helped him today,” Halford said. “He’s the type that should keep improving through the year. And we’ll see what sort of mark he gets.”