JAMES, trained by Ian Ferguson for owner/breeder Joan Love, made a winning seasonal debut in the John McGovern open at Maralin under new rider Mark Lynch and in a first-time hood.

The seven-year-old Jimble gelding, who landed his winners’ race at this Iveagh Foxhounds’ meeting last season, was held up off the pace set by favourite Sole Witness (5/4-1/1), who was also making his first appearance of the campaign.