Thomas James recorded his first success on the track when Three Way Bond followed up on his recent good effort over the course, to take division two of the Limerick GAA Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Andrew Leigh.

The son of Bob Back was sent off at 10/1 and won by a cosy three lengths at the line from Burnswood in second.

The winning trainer, who used to play rugby for Leinster, was absent for the victory, as he was in Cardiff yesterday for the Heineken Cup final.

His brother Bill stated afterwards, "This is our first track winner, we had a point-to-point winner before. We train in Camolin, Co Wexford. He is a real three mile chaser and he will stay on the go now.

"He would have been balloted only for the divide, its hard to get into races like these."