William Thompson has been riding plenty of winners 'between the flags' down south in recent times but he was back 'up north' today to partner the promising James to victory in the concluding Downpatrick Christmas Party Hunters Chase.

Who knows what'd have happened if Davyroy hadn’t 'run down' the second last and got rid of Noel McParlan but as it was dual point-to-point winner James easily brushed aside Kerrib Castle from the back of the last to score by five and a half lengths.

Ian Ferguson has care of James for Mrs Joan Love (also the breeder of the Jimble gelding) and he said: "He's a progressive horse and he does it when he has to. He's a lovely type with a great attitude.

"He doesn't seem to be tired after that and he just seems to grind it out in his races.

"He's very solid and a bit of class won it for him today. Colin's horse (Davyroy) was unlucky at the second last – he was the danger."

The Stewards interviewed Mr Michael Moran, authorised representative of Eoin Doyle, trainer, regarding the late withdrawal of their charge, Davy From Milan from this race due to the Going.

Evidence was heard from the authorised representative concerned.

Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion Eoin Doyle was in breach of Rule 194 in that the reason for withdrawal was not a valid one, and also that the withdrawal was made after the time fixed for withdrawal under Rule 194 (iii)(a).

Therefore, in relation to the excuse offered, the Stewards fined Eoin Doyle through his authorised representative, €200 and suspended Davy From Milan from running for 2 days, and in relation to the lateness of the withdrawal, having considered his record in this regard, they fined him €320.

(MG & EM)