Home Secretary recorded his sixth win at Dundalk as he took the www.dundalkstadium.com handicap under Shane Foley for Garvan Donnelly.

The nine-year-old son of Machiavellian, who is now a four time course and distance winner, was 12/1 this morning with Paddy Power, but he opened on-course at just 7s before going off a 6/1 shot.

The victorious bay gelding broke very slowly from the stalls and he trailed the field in the early stages.

He caught up with his rivals over five furlongs from home and latched on to the rear of the main group, before making progress as they entered the straight.

He got a clear run through from a furlong out and he just got up on the line to prevail by a nose.

The 4/1 favourite, Gun Shoot had to settle for second under Conor Hoban for Pat Martin, while Ned’s Indian was a further head back in third under Rory Cleary for Sabrina Harty at 7/1.

Garvan Donnelly said afterwards: "He had a bit of a break and I didn’t think he was as forward as he was.

"He is very genuine and he loves it here. Shane gave him a perfect ride. He is a real Dundalk specialist and there is plenty of races for him here over the winter and we will keep him busy."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson