In any walk of life, a conclusion of one sort generally leads to the beginning of another. Whether that be a footballer retiring a going into management, or a jockey retiring and taking out a training licence or a journalist moving on from actively writing and into an editing or sub-editing role. Mind you, in all cases, the departure of one entity opens the door of opportunity for another individual to step into whatever role had become vacant.
In some cases, that can mean the uptake of a poisoned chalice. As in, David Moyes being the one to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson, or Paul Townend stepping in as first jockey to Willie Mullins after Ruby Walsh retired or Barry Geraghty taking over from AP McCoy as retained rider to JP McManus who was in turn himself the forerunner to a combination of Aidan Coleman and Mark Walsh.
Now, the Simon Munir/Isaac Souede retained rider role, for whatever reason, may not carry the profile of either the McManus or Gigginstown House Stud roles, but, still, Daryl Jacob’s recent retirement as first jockey to ‘Team Double Green’ left a vacancy for the two French owners to fill. Except it would be more accurate to say they have a half vacancy to fill as they do also employ the very popular Bryony Frost to ride their horses in France.
Jacob’s bowing out may come as a little bit of a surprise, if only because of its timing, as it was originally thought the Wexford native would have retired at the conclusion of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. However, what will be no surprise, from an Irish perspective at least, is that it will be JJ Slevin to assume responsibility for riding the Double Green representatives in Ireland and Britain.
Slevin has for a long time had a successful association with his trainer cousin Joseph O’Brien. That, in turn, would probably explain why the dynamic French duo have noticeably sent quite a few young National Hunt horses to Carraiganong. In addition to that, though, it now makes sense that JJ has also been riding quite a bit for Stuart Crawford when he has sent runners to the north of England and/or Scotland.
Commenting on the appointment via a statement on X, Mr Munir said – “We are delighted to announce that J J Slevin will be joining Team Double Green with immediate effect. J J’s prime responsibility will be to be our retained jockey in Ireland and England.
“J J has ridden many of our horses in the past, including our Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles. With Daryl’s retirement, this is a natural progression, having often deputised in the past for Daryl in his absence. Daryl’s continuing role within Team Double Green will ensure a smooth transition.
“We look forward to a long, successful association with J J and welcome him to Team Double Green.”
Munir and Souede also retain Bryony Frost to ride their runners in France.
Mind you, while it is undoubtedly an appealing role for the jockey to step into, it does raise a number of questions, the answers to which will be intriguing to see play out. Namely, how UK based trainers like Nicky Henderson and Nigel Twiston-Davies will take to having JJ riding their horses and – even more so with regard to the ‘local’ racing scene – will be what impact Slevin’s new role will have on the NH end of his cousin’s operations.
Off the top of my head, instinct would be that somebody like Oakley Browne would appear ideally placed having ridden for the Kilkenny yard previously and with the Scot now seemingly being back in Ireland. An attractive gig for whomever might end up getting it.
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