UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH JJ SLEVIN

WHAT was your childhood ambition?

I always wanted to be a jockey.

Growing up, who was your sporting hero? Michael Kinane.

Do you have a mentor?

My dad, he is good to go to for support. He has been watching me riding since day one, so is a big help that way.

What or where is your happy place?

At home working with the horses.

What sparked your love of racing?

My parents were always involved, and we always had horses at home.

What horse put you on the map?

Moylisha Tim, trained by Richie Rath, won a Grade 3 novice hurdle at Cork in November, 2015. I was a claiming seven lb. amateur at the time.

Who is your favourite horse?

My dad has a horse called Treo Eile. He won the 2017 cross country chase for the La Touche Cup at the Punchestown Festival. Barry Cash was in the saddle that day, but it is a race I have always wanted to win.

What was it like to ride in your first race?

I was quite nervous but really excited at the same time. It was a bumper in Gowran Park, and I was just anxious to see how I got on.

How long does it take to learn race-riding tactics?

It takes a while to get into the rhythm but with racing, you never stop learning.

Describe the feeling of riding your first winner? My first winner was Chapel Garden for trainer John Clifford in Thurles on December 22, 2013. It took me 112 rides on the track to get my first winner. So, it was relief more than anything to get the monkey off my back.

What is your most memorable racing moment? It has to be my second Cheltenham Festival winner in 2019 on Band Of Outlaws in the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle for my cousin, Joseph O’Brien. It was his first Cheltenham Festival winner, so it was a great day.

What is your favourite racecourse in Ireland? Leopardstown – it is a very fair track and I love riding fences around there. There is a great line of fences down the back and there is no better feeling if your horse gets in a good jumping rhythm.

If you weren’t a jockey what would you be?

A farmer.

If you could ride one horse, what would it be? Istabraq – a great horse.

How do you cope with pressure?

I treat each race as it comes and treat each horse in the same way, despite the type of race or race meeting – that’s what seems to work for me.

How do you stay motivated?

I’m always looking for the next winner.

How do you deal with dips in form?

You just have to get on with it and hope that your luck will turn. Dips are normal and come and go.

Outside of racing, what is your favourite sporting moment?

I love hurling so Wexford winning the Leinster final last year was magic.

Can you give us a Netflix/film recommendation? The ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ documentary on Netflix is very good.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate every time.

Desert island discs – name your favourite three songs?

Anything by the Boss - Bruce Springsteen. What person do you admire the most and why? AP McCoy for his sheer longevity and for what he achieved. Twenty consecutive champion jump jockey titles is unbelievable, we will never see it again. Favourite dinner?

Steak, well done, with roast potatoes.

Where is your favourite place to go on holidays? I went to Spain last year for the first time and really enjoyed it.

What ambitions do you still have?

I would love to ride more quality winners and more Grade 1 winners at the big festivals.

What is the hidden gem of your home county? They aren’t that hidden, but the beaches are beautiful.

When you think of your home what immediately springs to mind?

Horses and family.

How are you occupying your time during the Covid-19 restrictions?

Riding out in Joseph’s every morning. My dad has a yard, so I am helping him at home and strimming a lot of hedges!

What would be your piece of advice for everyone during these worrying times?

Just adhere to the rules and the light at the end of the tunnel will appear.

What is the first thing you want to do when we all get back to normal?

Ride a winner!

Favourite saying/quote?

The harder you work, the more luck you will have. Our thanks to Barbara White, PR and Marketing Manager, Horse Racing Ireland, for her help with this feature.