Coole Craft and JJ Slevin© Photo Healy Racing
JJ Slevin bagged a winner on his return to action at Thurles today when Coole Craft claimed the Killinan Handicap Hurdle.
The claimer had been out of action since suffering fractured ribs and a bruised kidney in a fall at Gowran on February 18th.
Having been third on his comeback ride on Zekarya earlier on the card he produced 12/1 shot Coole Craft to lead going to the last in the two-mile handicap hurdle.
The Jonathan Fogarty-trained went on to gain his first victory by beating The Church Gate by three-parts of a length.
The trainer's brother Mikey was five lengths further back in third on the 9/4 favourite Rock On Barney
“It's brilliant. It's grand to get back. I broke three ribs two-and-a-half weeks ago so they've healed well and I'm glad to be back,” said Slevin.
“He had bits and pieces of form and was off 82. I was talking to Paul Townend and Mikey Fogarty, who have rode him in the past, and they said to hang on to him and keep a good hold of his head.
“I did that, they went plenty quick enough in front, and he came home well. He had loads left at the finish.
“Mikey was riding Rock On Barney and was upsides me turning for home. The Fogarty brothers are doing well so it's great.
“I've had 19 winners now. I did my leg in September and the ribs a few weeks ago but we're tipping away.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
