Bargain buy Rigid Rock registered his sixth career success but a first for new trainer Ado McGuinness, when landing the opening Winter Series At Dundalk Handicap at Dundalk this evening, under Declan McDonogh.

Previously successful five times for Jim Gorman, the son of Refuse To Bend arrived late with his challenge to edge a neck win over Acroleina

Afterwards McGuinness revealed "I bought him in Goffs, very reasonably, for €800 and I'm delighted for Sean (Gallagher, owner) who is a great supporter. The change of scenery has done him the power of good and he won with a bit in hand but hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard.

"He was rated a good bit higher but had a bit of leg trouble but had a nice run here before Christmas. We thought the five furlongs would be on the sharp side but he had a good draw and pinged the gates."

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson