Rob James rides three winners…again!

By Dan Walsh

Killanne rider Rob James was in brilliant form over the weekend winning six point-to-point races – three at Kirkistown in North Down on Saturday – and another treble at Comea, Co. Tipperary today.

James got off the mark in the maiden race for four-year-olds on first timer Willmount, trained at Kiltealy by Colin Bowe for Milestone Bloodstock Ltd, winning by two and a half lengths.

He followed up on Barnaleen for Patrick Ryan in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus confined. Just a length advantage at the finish.

James’ third winner on the day was Step Up Son by six lengths in the maiden race for six-year-old geldings and older for John ‘Shark’ Hanlon. Second success in two days for the Bagenalstown handler.

Colin Bowe and Milestone Bloodstock Ltd enjoyed a double success in the maiden race for four-year olds at Knockanard, Co. Cork where newcomer Captain Teague raced home by eight lengths with Barry O’Neill up. Both of Bowe’s Sunday winners are bound for the sales.

The state of play at the top of the National Point-to-Point Riders’ Championship shows Barry O’Neill just one winner ahead of Rob James, O’Neill on 27 (672 career total) and James 26 (261 career total).

State of Power was also a winner at the Cork track for owner/handler Harley Dunne, training at Rathfardon, Clonroche, in the five-year-old geldings maiden race. Tiernan Power Roche, Tomhaggard, took the mount as Harley Dunne was riding in the cross-country race at Punchestown.

Racing was also scheduled for Oldtown, Co. Meath, today, but heavy overnight rain caused the meeting to be abandoned and re-scheduled for next Saturday. The entries stand.