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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Slevin showcases talents on The Echo Boy

Fri 12th May 2023, 20:22

The Echo Boy and JJ Slevin win the William Hill Handicap Steeplechase The Echo Boy and JJ Slevin win the William Hill Handicap Steeplechase
© Photo Healy Racing

J J Slevin showed once again why he is one of the leading up and coming young riders in the country with a race winning move which caught his rivals unaware aboard The Echo Boy in the William Hill Extra Places Daily Handicap Chase at Kilbeggan.

Slevin sat of the pace in the early stages of the contest but settled the issue when kicking on over half-a-mile from home. That sudden injection of pace certainly caught a few rivals by surprise and the Wexford man had matters in same keeping from two out.

A dual previous winner, The Echo Boy had shown little in three runs since returning from a layoff but was much sharper here and on this performance he looks capable of further success.

“He's a very good spin and the boys told me beforehand that he's a very good leaper,” said Slevin.

“Dermot and James (Griffin) came up with a plan to blow the race apart out in the country. They hatched that plan, I said I'd keep him going and thankfully it worked out.

“They said that he'd like the track, he jumps well, and to try and get a few good jumps out the back and make his way home.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.