The Michael Halford-trained Political Policy made it third time lucky on the all-weather when emerging on top after a good duel with Acting Talent in the opening maiden at Dundalk.

Conor Hoban was soon in front on the eventual winner in the six furlong contest but he was all out in the closing stages to score by a short-head.

Hoban asked the 6/4 favourite to stretch passing the two furlong marker and he was strongly pressed by Acting Talent from over a furlong out.

The pair were locked together in the closing stages with Political Policy getting it on the nod close home.

The well backed winner (9/4 in morning) had been placed in two handicap starts at the venue last month.

“He's a horse that was inclined to hold his breath and we were trying to get him to relax,” revealed Halford.

“He's had a couple of quick runs and he's getting better. You need to try and build him into his races and not cut his throat.

“He had fitness on his side and he goes well on the surface.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)