Veteran trainer Peter Casey was on the mark at Dundalk tonight when Hello Humpfrey claimed the second division of the mile-and-a-half handicap.

Niall McCullagh produced the 7/1 shot with a strong run to lead just inside the final furlong in the 45-65 contest.

He stuck on well in the closing stages to repel Bottleofsmoke by a half length with Ruby Gates also staying on a neck back in third.

The winner had been runner-up on his last visit to the course a fortnight ago.

“It worked out well. They went a nice sensible gallop. He settled well today and picked up well,” said McCullagh.

“I actually got there a bit too soon. As long as the handicapper is not too hard on him he should be competitive for the rest of the winter.”

McCullagh also praised the idea of the race conditions with the contest limited to jockeys that had not ridden more than 10 winners between June 26th, 2016 and January 17th, 2017.

“If someone is coming back off a long lay-off or for someone that has fallen out of favour it gives them a chance.

“That’s me out of them now but they helped to get my season going.

“They serve their purpose. They are a great idea and it’s only a matter of time before it comes in for trainers.”