Primo Uomo finished last season with a win at the Curragh and showed he was still in good form when breaking the track record in Dundalk's opening five furlong handicap.

Gerard O'Leary 's charge was reappearing for the first time since that October success at Headquarters and raced in sixth place early doors for Niall McCullagh. Oneoveryou and Togoville blazed the trail entering the straight as McCullagh switched his mount to the inner.

Oneoveryou came under pressure a furlong and a half out and Go Kart collared him approaching the final furlong.

However, McCullagh was in the drive position on an improving Primo Uomo in third. The five-year-old gelding responded and picked off Go Kart inside the final 150 yards.

The 8/1 shot strode on to score by three parts of a length from Go Kart (11/2). O'Leary also saddled the third-placed Strategic Force (10/1).

The time was recorded at 57.08 seconds. Caspian Prince set the five furlong record last October.

“He's a progressive horse and I've always liked him. He has paced and it suited today as they went good and hard up front,” Niall McCullagh said.

“He loves that and he has a little bit of kick then. He picked up well, won nice and had a blow.

“They should have a bit of fun with him this year in sprints, the likes of the Rockingham and stuff like that.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson