Wexford jockey JJ Slevin talking to attheraces presenter Gary O’Brien after his second success at Wexford races this evening.

By Dan Walsh

Blistering weather conditions (20 degrees) brought South East sunshine and comfort to the good-sized attendance who enjoyed an eight-race jumps card at Bettyville Park, and to make things better, the local stables performed admirably.
Irish Grand National winning jockey, JJ Slevin, was in great form and recorded a double on his home track, starting the ball rolling on Cut Em Down, (7/1), for his cousin, Joseph O’Brien, Piltown, Carrick-on-Suir, in the maiden hurdle, with six lengths to spare in good ground conditions.
JJ got his double on In A Pinch in second division of the Loch Garman Handicap Hurdle by one and a half lengths, trained at Caim, near Enniscorthy, by his father, Shay Slevin. The impressive winner ran in the colours of Mrs Karen Sinnott, Ballygarrett.
Kildare-based Wexford-born trainer, Conor O’Dwyer, saddled I’ve Got Rhythm, (9/2 jy-fav), to win the other division of the Loch Garman Handicap Hurdle, under a fine ride by Ricky Doyle.
Speaking afterwards, Conor said that he had few runners during the harsh winter because the conditions were atrocious and didn’t suit the type of horse that he trains, however, he was “delighted that his runners were performing well on good summer ground” and he hoped that the winning trend will continue.
I’ve Got Rhythm is owned by Hugo Kane, a Cavan native living in Kildare for the past 20 years. “It is my first time in Wexford and I’ve had a winner,” said an impressed Mr Kane afterwards.
Amateur Harley Dunne, The Ballagh, showed shrewd judgement when taking My Betty (20/1) home by two and a quarter lengths ahead of the opposition in the Rosslare Mares Maiden Hurdle for owner and breeder, Maurice Sheehy, and trained by Peter Croke, from Glenealy, Co. Wicklow.
The racing was fast and furious and the good ground was a factor and while the punters probably lost the battle – reverse of the previous fixture at the track when all the fancied horses obliged – a good time was had by all.
Racing again at Bettyville Park in two weeks time – Wednesday, June 6th. Watch out for details.