Bred like the 2013 Aintree Grand National hero, Auroras Encore, by Noel O'Callaghan's Mountarmstrong Stud, Political Policy took division one of the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Handicap.

Six Of Hearts, the old veteran, threatened strongly to gain his first win since 2011, but the Frank Lynch-owned and Gavin Cromwell-trained victorious Bushranger gelding eventually proved strongest inside the last by half a length.

Ronan Whelan did the steering on the now three time scorer and Cromwell said: "He battled well and we'll keep him on the go here."

The favourite, Ying Yang could do no better than tenth place.

F.M. Berry, rider of Ripped trained by Charles O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled from the half way point.

(GC & EM)