Clare man, Alan McNulty (24), rode his first winner when Rodriguez battled to victory in the concluding www.valuecentre.ie (Q.R.) Handicap at Dundalk.

The sweet-travelling Pires looked like he'd prevail for much of the final two furlongs but Rodriguez fought back in the closing stages to triumph by a neck.

McNulty is with Rodriguez's trainer Charlie Swan and this was his second ride for the Cloughjordan handler. First Impressions was backed from 25s into 12s on the track but he had to settle for ninth place.

The real gamble of the two miler though was Blue Cannon (7/2 this morning into 13/8) but he was found wanting in the straight and ended up coming home in fifth.

Unfortunately Atmospheric High was pulled up injured five furlongs out here. (MG & EM)