Former Grand national winner gives Wexford jockey JJ Slevin some solid advice moving forward

Wexford jockey JJ Slevin has been riding on a high after winning the BoyleSports Irish Grand National on Easter Monday – and now has another National target in his sights…

Slevin scooped one of the biggest prizes in Irish jumps racing when steering Intense Raffles, trained by Tom Gibney, to glory at Fairyhouse.

Slevin looks set to head across the Irish Sea to Liverpool for the Grand National in the UK, one of the most prestigious races on the calendar every year and Slevin is likely to partner Panda Boy, with the jockey having yet to complete a spin around the National circuit.

The grey, trained by Martin Brassill, is currently a 12/1 shot with Betfair for the race and has been ridden by Slevin in his last four races, including a fine second in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown on December 27 when he was a four-and-a-half length second to Meetingofthewaters, who also holds a National entry this year.

But what does Slevin need to do to secure a second Grand National success in three weeks? Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Grand National betting, two-time winner and defending champion Derek Fox has revealed some insight and that is to not change anything.

Fox, who won the race in 2023 on board Corach Rambler, said:

“I don’t do anything different, you have to have the horse underneath you in any race.
“In the National maybe you need a bit more luck with all the runners, and for things to go your way during the race. Luckily for me, the two horses I’ve won on were clever and able to negotiate the circuit.
“You go and get your gear, body protector and colours on and just keep doing your normal weighing room regime, trying to keep it as normal as possible without overthinking the race.
“Before you know it, you are down at the start. Once the tape goes up and you’re in the flow of the race, that is the most enjoyable part for me,” he said.