ROB JAMES

Killanne rider Rob James who rides Outlander for Gigginstown House Stud in Monday’s Boylesports Irish Grand National made a winning start to the weekend when winning the four year old mares maiden race at Loughanmore, Co. Antrim, on Saturday, aboard Tara West for the Monbeg Syndicate and Donnchadh Doyle.
Tara West won by a head from Little Light, ridden by Jamie Codd, for Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, and for good measure, Benny Walsh’s Crossgalesfamegame, made it a Wexford 1,2,3.
But there was compensation for Codd who rode a double on the day, both for owner Pat Coffey and trainer Denis Murphy. Lough Derg Rose had eight lengths to spare in the maiden race for five year old mares and Norwegian Wood held off the opposition by five lengths in the maiden race for five year old geldings.
There was also success for Barry O’Neill who was aboard Corella Creek for David Christie in the Open Lightweight Race for mares. The winning margin was five lengths.