Placed in two of his three previous visits to Roscommon, and sixth in the Connacht National here last month, on the other foray, Rodriguez came good this evening under Brian Cawley in the Leo Dolan Memorial Handicap Hurdle.

The High Chaparral gelding made all and despite more than one slight mistake he asserted from before the last on the way to a four length defeat of The Lady Granuaile

Charlie Swan trains Rodriguez, second in the market behind Easy Vic That one had to settle for third place.

"He is what he is. I think he is better in low grade races off top weight rather than in good races with bottom weight.

"Brian gave him a great ride and he hops off that quick ground. He might go to Killarney or Galway for a chase once the ground is quick.

"Tadgh O'Sullivan, an orthopedic surgeon in Waterford, is one of his owners (Let's Go Racing Syndicate)," explained Swan.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Easy Vic, ridden by P. Carberry, and trained by A.J.Martin. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. P. Carberry, stated that his instructions were to drop the horse out and ride a waiting race. He added that the horse travelled well towards the rear and as he crept into the race in the back straight he was confident that the first two would come back to him, having set a fast early pace. He added that the horse failed to pick up in the straight and started to make a respiratory noise in the latter stages.

A.J.Martin, confirmed the instructions and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. He also confirmed that the horse has a breathing problem. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Easy Vic was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

P. Carberry, rider of Easy Vic trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise in the latter stages.

A.E. Lynch, rider of Roving Lad trained by Paul John Gilligan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up lame.

(DM & EM)