Hms Endeavour stuck his head out gamely to prevail in a tight finish to the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race at Dundalk.

The Ballydoyle colt went to post an even-money shot in the five furlong contest in a bid to follow up his maiden win at Navan.

Seamie Heffernan tracked the leaders on the son of War Front before asking him to take closer order in the straight.

He disputed in the centre passing the furlong pole with Jarvis for company on the inner. The favourite edged ahead in the closing stages to record a half-length win.

There was the same margin back to Pennine Hills in third.

“He has pace and he stays going,” said Heffernan afterwards.

“Good ground is essential to a lot of good horses and I'd like if we got more good ground and less watered ground in Ireland. They don't need it firm, just good.

“I won well. The ones either side of me just leapt a little bit but I was happy enough following them. We were lifting early on! I'm happy with him.”