EXCLUSIVE: JJ Slevin Previews Irish Grand National, Punchestown and Discusses Future After Racing
Joshua Kerr 
With Fairyhouse and the Irish Grand National approaching, as well as a highly-anticipated meet at Punchestown next month too, we sat down with three time Cheltenham Festival winner and two-time Irish Grand National-winning jockey JJ Slevin.
Previewing all the action leading up to the upcoming meets, as well as some of the biggest talking points currently in racing, here’s what JJ had to say when speaking exclusively to the team at Free Bets:
Irish Grand National
Q: You’ve won the Irish Grand National twice recently, so to start, it would be great to hear who you expect to ride this time and what chances you think you have. Are there any particular horses across the meet that you’re especially looking forward to?
I might be riding one of Martin Brassil’s – either Panda Boy or Desertmore House – but it’s not confirmed yet. I’d be happy to ride either. The Double Green team also has a nice group of horses going for the weekend, so we’re looking forward to that. It’s still a bit away, so nothing’s decided just yet.
Q: You're doing a lot of work with Simon Munir and Isaac Souede at the moment. Has that been a big change for you, and which of their horses have impressed you most or are you most excited about for next season?
It hasn’t really been a big change. I’ve worked with them for a number of years through the Crawfords and Joseph, so I know them well. Anthony, Simon, Isaac, and Darren are great to work with – very straightforward.
They’ve got some promising young horses. One Point-to-Pointer, for example – they’ve had three four-year-old maiden winners. They’ll be heading to the track next year for bumpers or novice hurdles, and hopefully, a few of them could turn into the next superstar for the Double Green.
Q: Will we see you riding more often in Britain, and could that lead to being based over here permanently, or do you see yourself staying in Ireland?
I’d say I’m more likely to be staying at home. I’m in England nearly once a week now anyway, and I’ll just keep doing that. Most of the horses are based in Ireland, which makes it easier to get around the yards, so I’ll stay put.
Slevin eyeing another victory with Banbridge at Punchestown
Q: Looking ahead to Punchestown – you’ve had some good days there. What does that festival mean to you personally and professionally?
Really looking forward to Punchestown. We’ve got a nice team with some strong runners. Banbridge is aiming for the Gold Cup, so that’s exciting. It’s a big week, with strong racing every day. It’s one of the great festivals, which we’re looking forward to.
Q: Are there any other horses you’re particularly excited about at the festival?
Mr. Percy might go for the two-and-a-half mile Grade 1, or maybe a Grade 2 – that's for the Double Green as well. There’ll be a strong team overall, and I’m sure Willie [Mullins] will have plenty of good ones too. We’re looking forward to it.
Q: What’s Punchestown like from a jockey’s perspective? Does it suit certain types of horses or riding styles?
You need a horse that can travel well and has a bit of speed. Jumping is key, and the ground is usually good in the spring, so they need to be quick and clean over their fences.
You also need to be patient, get your position early and hold it. The key is not to panic – even though it’s a fast track, it still takes a bit of staying power. It’s a very fair course, and usually the best horse wins.
Q: With so much Grade 1 success, especially at big meetings like Punchestown, is it hard to approach these days differently, or do you just treat it like any other day?
I treat it like any other day. I really enjoy the big races – you get a real buzz out of them. If you have the right horse under you, you should be involved. Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don’t – but I just try to enjoy it.
That's what I always do. I really enjoy the big meets. I love riding those big races to get a real buzz out of it, even though the mindset is to treat it as another’s day in the office. If you have the right horse under you, it’s hard not to get excited.
Q: Are there any young horses in your book over the next few weeks we should be keeping an eye on?
We’re near the end of the season now, so most of the young horses are out in the field. The Crawfords have a few nice Point-to-Pointers going to trainers, and Pat Doyle has one as well. So there are definitely some nice prospects to look forward to for next year.
Michael O'Sullivan Impact and future after racing
Q: Could you discuss the impact of Michael O’Sullivan’s passing – how has that affected you and your fellow jockeys? Does something like that make you reflect differently on your career?
Michael’s passing affected everyone very deeply, and his absence is still felt in the weigh room.
It’ll take a long time to get over it. His friends Ben Harvey and co. had a great winner on the flat the other day at Leopardstown – they bought the horse to remember Michael, and he won.
That was a really special moment. I’m sure Michael was giving the horse a hand. He’s still deeply missed, and that day meant a lot to the lads.
Q: You’ve had a few serious injuries yourself. Does the mental and physical toll ever make you worry about your future or limitations?
Yeah, I broke my navicular bone in my foot in October – it was a serious enough injury and I’m still recovering. We won’t know if it’ll limit me until the time comes. When it does, if I feel I’m not performing at my best, I’ll call time on it.
I won’t hang on longer than I should. But for now, I still have plenty I want to achieve, so I’ll keep going as long as I can.
Q: Looking further ahead, it was mentioned you studied journalism. Is a media role something you’d ever consider after racing?
No, I don’t think so. I don’t think I’d be very good at it to be honest. I used to enjoy writing a bit, but I think that’s passed me by now. Hopefully I’ll stay involved with horses somehow.
Q: What are your thoughts on the upcoming daytime ban on TV gambling adverts in Ireland? Do you think it could impact the racing industry?
To be honest, I don’t think it’ll make much difference. If someone wants to have a bet, they will. I don’t think the ads encourage people.
