< Political Policy (6-1) maintained his steep upward curve when getting up to take first prize in the Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Handicap.

The five-year-old has climbed up through the handicap ranks in recent months but came into this with stamina to prove having never won over this longer trip.

However, he dispelled those worries to claim his fourth win in his last five starts, finishing strongly to master Saga Bolton by a neck.< Chiclet continued her love affair with Dundalk when registering her fourth C & D success in the opening Jolly January Dining Special Handicap.

The 3-1 joint-favourite broke smartly in the hands of Gary Halpin and was still travelling powerfully at the head of affairs as they swung for home.

However, she was forced to dig deep when Primo Uomo threw down a strong challenge inside the final furlong and only had half a length in hand as they passed the post.

Mick Halford got off the mark for 2016 when Roman Impero (1-2 fav) produced a taking display to land the Big Bad Bob Maiden by four and a half lengths.

The Holy Roman Emperor colt was opening his account at the third time of asking having found one too strong over this C & D three weeks ago and favourite backers had few alarms.

Soon on the heels of leader Chewy Round Town he breezed by entering the final two furlongs and only had to be nudged out by Conor Hoban.< Ishebayorgrey (10-1) and Marise produced a terrific finish to the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Rated Race.

Any number looked to be in with a chance as they approached the furlong marker but the aforementioned pair set down to fight it out inside the last 100 yards with Ishebayorgrey just getting the verdict by a neck.< Excelli (9-2) was an easy winner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Handicap while Rock On Rosie (5-2) landed the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Maiden.