FOR the first time since 2002, The Irish Field leading rider prize will be shared with title contenders Rob James and Barry O’Neill, electing to sit out this weekend’s final two days of the point-to-point season.

James had held the slimmest of margins entering last weekend’s action, and although the weekend started well for him, as he claimed both divisions of the four-year-old auction maiden at Stradbally on Saturday, his friend and great rival, matched that feat when riding a double of his own on the same afternoon at Taylorstown.