J J Slevin got off to a flying start in his new role as retained rider for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede when bagging a brace on Al Kalila and O’Toole in the ‘double green’ colours at Ayr.
Slevin was always in control of proceedings on Stuart Crawford’s Irish raider Al Kalila in the Ayr Racecourse Racing Club Only £30 Maiden Hurdle and the 4/6 favourite galloped on strongly to prevail by four and a quarter lengths.
The jockey had to work much harder on stablemate O’Toole - tipped in our daily column The Late Play - in the concluding Golf Inn Prestwick Handicap Hurdle, but the 14/1 chance battled on gamely to edge out Gaillimh A Stor by a head on his first outing for 698 days.
Following Daryl Jacob’s retirement from the saddle at Leopardstown on Sunday, the powerful ownership team have moved swiftly to secure a replacement, with Slevin to ride their runners in both Britain and Ireland.
Slevin has enjoyed a lengthy association with Joseph O’Brien, riding a Grade One double at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting for the handler aboard Solness and Home By The Lee, but he has also had notable success in the Munir and Souede colours, having partnered Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles last year.
The jockey told Racing TV: "Obviously I was very lucky over Christmas and I’m delighted to link up with Simon and Isaac to fill Daryl’s boots – they’ll take plenty of filling, so we’ll try our best.
“I’ve been working with Stuart for a long, long time and Simon and Isaac obviously came on board there and I got to know them through that, so even though it is starting a new role, it’s just continuing on with the old really and I’m looking forward to it.”
In an earlier statement posted on X, Munir said: “We are delighted to announce that J J Slevin will be joining Team Double Green with immediate effect. J J’s prime responsibility will be to be our retained jockey in Ireland and England.
“J J has ridden many of our horses in the past, including our Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles. With Daryl’s retirement, this is a natural progression, having often deputised in the past for Daryl in his absence. Daryl’s continuing role within Team Double Green will ensure a smooth transition.
“We look forward to a long, successful association with J J and welcome him to Team Double Green.”
Munir and Souede also retain Bryony Frost to ride their runners in France.
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