Rigid rocks to eighth success

Rigid Rock sprang a 16/1 surprise in division one of the Dan Dooley Ford Centre Handicap, scoring under Leigh Roche for Adrian McGuinness.

Second on his seasonal debut at Bellewstown in July, the now eight time winner disappointed on his most recent effort at Dundalk.

Sent to the front after a furlong, he went clear entering the straight, and kept on well under pressure from over a furlong out, going on to score easily by a length and a quarter in the colours of owner Sean Gallagher. Bert Leaf (8's to 6's) finished second under Pat Smullen for Seamus Fahey, while Nannys Well (25/1) was half a length back in third under Chris Hayes for Pat Murphy. Doonard Prince (11/2) completed the placings a further two and a half lengths back in fourth under Shane Foley for Ross O'Sullivan.

The Charles O'Brien trained Fairy Flute was sent off the 4/1 favourite and she finished a disappointing tenth with Declan McDonogh in the saddle.

McGuinness said afterwards: "That's his eighth win and it's three for me - he's had problems and it's been hard to keep him right but it's great for Sean (Gallagher) who is a great supporter of mine.

"He was a cheaply bought horse and the little dig in the ground suited him. Unfortunately there was no race for him in the coming days and he's not double-entered. A track like Listowel would suit him and he'll go there in September."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes