James lands first career double

APPRENTICE Sam James, a big-race hero in Killarney recently, took the honours in Wexford last night, completing the first double of his blossoming career on The Buck and Cristal Island, bringing his seasonal tally to seven.

James, who has formed a successful partnership with trainer John Murphy in recent weeks, struck again for the Upton, County Cork-based handler when The Buck, raised 12lb. for an improved run at Killarney, battled bravely to land the Rocklands Service Station Handicap at the expense of favourite King Of Redfield.

Trainer Murphy, recording his twelfth flat win of the season, was not present. But his son George said: “He hasn’t won for three years, but is a real stayer. Sam gave him a great ride.”