'Old stagers' combine to take Dundalk opener Primo Uomo got the better of his younger rivals in the opener at Dundalk, the William Hill Extra Places Every Day Handicap. The Ger O'Leary trained ten-year-old was recording his eighth career success this evening, his first since January of 2021. Sent straight to the front by Niall McCullagh, the Strategic Prince gelding made all. Pressed by stable mate Maritime Rules over a furlong from home, he kicked on again when ridden, going on to record a comfortable three-and-a-quarter length success. As short as 9/2 in early shows, the 76 rated victor provide very easy to back, going off a 16/1 chance in the colours of Lance Bloodstock Ltd. Returned the 2/1 favourite, Collective Power came through to take second under Chris Hayes for Eddie Lynam, while the aforementioned Maritime Rules (7/1) was a neck away in third. Assistant trainer Adrian Joyce said: "He's unreal, he's our old stable star and the pet of the yard. He's gold to Ger at home, he loves him. "He holds the track record and Ger was adamant that Niall would ride him again. He's won a few races on him and they are two old stagers at this stage! "I rode him myself on Tuesday and I thought he would come on a pile from the run, but he has the class at this level because he is a lot better than these on his day. He obviously still has the ability. "He's a little bit hot and he was extremely good today tacking up and everything. That's a bit of a help to him - when he gets excited, he seems to run no race. "He ran a good race at the Curragh this year on the grass and we put him away with the plan to come up here. There's a couple of races maybe for him in January as well. "He probably won't go forever, but he still has plenty of life in him. "I'm delighted for Ger, they are away for a week or so and he'll be delighted tonight having a glass of champagne." Additional reporting by Michael Graham
