First Grade 1 winnner for James Graham
23rd Oct 2009

Dubliner James Graham (grad. 1995) added to his growing reputation in the U.S. jockey rankings when he had the biggest win of his career at Keeneland on October 17^th, bringing home Hot Cha Cha to capture the Grade 1 $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup on the turf at the famous Kentucky track for trainer Philip Sims.

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This latest success for the Finglas-born rider came just three weeks after narrowly missing out on his first jockeys title at Arlington Park following a nail-biting battle which went down to the final race day of a 98-day meeting at the Chicago track. Three victories on the penultimate day had cut the lead of Junior Alvarado to just two going into the final race day but James had no luck with his final six mounts and had to settle for runner-up in the title race. However he did take the title in purses earned with $2,752,816, some $300,000 ahead of his rival.

As James’ star continues to rise on the track, there is also much excitement at home as his wife Lisa is expecting their second child any day soon.

Winning jockey James Graham gestures as he crosses the line on Hot Cha Cha to claim the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup race at Keeneland

This News Article Relates To: James Graham
Who graduated from the Race Academy in 1995

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