Political Policy notched up his eighth career success at Dundalk and his sixth since last September as he got the better of the hat-trick seeking Saga Bolton in the Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Handicap.

Stepping up in trip to a mile and a half for the first time, the victorious Gavin Cromwell trained five-year-old went sent off a 6/1 chance under Sean Corby.

Settled in mid-division he was fifth approaching the straight and was angled out for room from two furlongs out.

He was then soon ridden and hit the front just inside the final furlong, keeping on well in the closing stages to prevail by a neck in the colours of Frank Lynch.

The well-backed Saga Bolton (14/1 last night and returned 9/2) had to settle for second under Rory Cleary for Tony Mullins, while Carried (10/1) completed the placings a further length and a half back in third under Andrew Breslin for Prunella Dobbs.

Gavin Cromwell said afterwards: "He surprises me every day. At home he only works like a 65 horse but he keeps it for the racecourse.

"I'd love to get him qualified for the big meeting at Lingfield and we might aim at that. The first qualifier here is not until March 1st so we might go to England and try and get qualified over there.

"I'd say he just got the trip today and a mile-and-a-quarter is more ideal. They went a good gallop which helped."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed Mrs Prunella Dobbs, trainer, concerning the failure to nominate a rider before the designated time for Carried.

Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that she was informed at short notice that a rider she wanted to nominate was unable to do the light weight of 8st 5lb, and she then attempted to secure a experienced rider who could do the weight as Carried can be a difficult ride.

She even attempted to secure a rider from the UK but with 2 race meetings on today she was unable to do so and failed to find a suitable rider who could do the weight before the designated time.

After this time she eventually secured A.J. Breslin who was available and who could do the weight.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards accepted the explanation offered.

Furthermore, they allowed the nomination of A.J. Breslin.

The Stewards interviewed Keith Henry Clarke, trainer, concerning the failure to nominate a rider before the designated time for Poitin (GB).

Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that he had a number of riders lined up to ride his mare on the morning of declarations but for a variety of reasons at 11.50 in the morning he was left without a suitable rider who could do the light weight of 8st 5lb.

He explained his charge is a difficult ride and he failed to secure a suitable rider by the designated time. After this time, he secured UK based rider R.P. Walsh.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards accepted the explanation offered.

Furthermore, they allowed the nomination of R.P. Walsh.

J.A. Heffernan, rider of Liberty Jack, trained by Sarah Dawson, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount stopped quickly at the end of the back straight once he came off the bridle.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson