Bobby Molloy had his first winner in Ireland since November 2010 when Rodeo Rocket (25s into 16s) landed the first split of the Racecourse Of The Year Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe.

Rodeo Rocket got a waiting ride from Molloy. The Artan gelding was in front at the last and from there he kept on well to hold off the coming home well Lortzing by a length and three parts.

Frances Slevin trains Rodeo Rocket and she divulged: "That's my second winner after De Glebe Star at Roscommon last month. This wasn't a good race but we thought he'd run well."

Molloy explained: "I'm good friends with Nige (winning trainer Frances' brother, Nigel). He rang me asking to ride it and he said it had a good chance. It was nice to get the ride.

"I'm working for Eddie Harty now. I came back from Australia (out there in Melbourne, race riding) a couple of months ago. It was good out there – I enjoyed it.

"The missus was pregnant so we came home to raise our family back at home in Ireland. I had a son (Jack) there two weeks ago so all is good – I got money to pay for the nappies here!

"My agent is Garry Cribbin and I'll take all the opportunities I get.

"Tom Ryan, John Allen, Shane Jackson, Paddy Flood, Paul Gallagher, Niki O'Shea and Donal MacAuley are other Irish jockeys still out in Australia." (TW & EM)