Slevin makes cross country flight to score on Link

JJ Slevin made the long trip up from Killarney worthwhile when partnering Jinxs Link to victory in the first division of the Massey Ferguson Johnston Farm Equipment Longford Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

The Michael Rice-trained gelding was held up in the two-mile-two contest before making ground up on the outer after the second last.

He hit the front over the final flight and stayed on well on the run-in to post comprehensive five-length win over Maggie Walsh

“He settled well, I was just afraid of the ground because he was running on good ground,” said Rice.

“He ran a blinder on the Flat at Dundalk last time, giving a lot of weight away.

“Dillon (Maxwell) rode him in Ballinrobe and just could not get him back. He had his race run turning in but he still ran on to finish third, which was a good run.

“He was unfortunate in Downpatrick, he bunny hopped the last and hung badly. He was a bit sore the next morning so he must have been feeling something. We put it down to that anyway.

“He might win another one of them and he has a good Flat handicap mark.”

Slevin had arrived in a helicopter from the Kerry venue.