Ambassadorial looked a smart sort when opening his account on his debut at Dundalk this afternoon.

The Michael Halford-trained Godolphin colt was sent off a 10/1 shot and was held up in the early stages of the seven-furlong contest by Shane Foley.

The son of Elusive Quality moved closer on the outer passing the two pole and challenged at the furlong marker.

He quickened up nicely to lead inside the final furlong and was powering away at the finish to record a two-and-a-half length success over Thomas O'Malley

“We always liked him. He weakened off a bit on us but has really come back recently,” said Foley.

“He’s still quite raw today, and was really only ready to start. The penny only dropped inside the final furlong.”

Kildangan Stud’s Jimmy Hyland, representing Godolphin, said:-

“He’s a very green horse and Mick liked him at home. We expect him to come on from that run today.

“Fingers crossed he has a big future, and could be a classic contender for next year if he goes the right way. He’ll probably want a mile.” Gino Severini was backed from 6/1 in the morning into 13/8 favourite. He came under pressure early in the straight and kept on the same pace inside the final furlong to finish third.