The Edward O'Grady-trained Roconga made a winning start in JP McManus' colours when getting home in a tight finish for the Cork Handicap in Mallow this afternoon.

The seven-year-old had attracted a few quid at 12/1 this morning and eventually went to post an 8/1 shot.

Seamie Heffernan held his mount up before making ground down the straight. He stayed on to lead inside the final furlong and held on close home as stable-mate Le Vagabond kept on on the rail, to get within a neck, and Sikandarabad finished well on the outer, a head further back.

The winner was having his first outing since finishing mid-division in the November Handicap at Leopardstown.

"He won over 1m4f at Dundalk but being a bumper winner, we always thought he wanted further than this (1m2f),” said O'Grady.

"He is 17 hands and maybe has now got a bit stronger and I was pleased with both of them (also runner-up Le Vagabond). Both will go to Punchestown for a couple of handicap hurdles next and will mix it for the summer."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)