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JJ Slevin has been announced as the new retained rider for prominent owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede on Thursday.
The move, which was made after Daryl Jacob announced his retirement from the saddle at Leopardstown on Sunday, will see JJ Slevin sport the famous 'double green' silks which he donned when landing the Irish Grand National on Intense Raffles last year.
Simon Munir announced on X: "We are delighted to announce that JJ Slevin will be joining Team Double Green with immediate effect. JJ's prime responsibility will be to be our retained jockey in Ireland and England.
"JJ 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, JJ having often deputised in Daryl's absence. Daryl's continued role with Team Double Green will ensure a smooth transition.
"We look forward to a long, successful association with JJ and welcome him to Team Double Green."
Slevin has enjoyed notable victories in Ireland over the festive period, partnering Solness to victory in the Grade 1 Paddy's Rewards Club Chase before guiding Home By The Lee to a second Grade 1 Savills Hurdle.
The new combination got their partnership off to the best possible start when Slevin steered Stuart Crawford's 4/6 market leader Al Kalila to a first victory over hurdles in the Ayr Racecourse Racing Club Only £30 Maiden Hurdle in the opener at Ayr this afternoon. Later on the card, the Wexford-born jockey completed a double courtesy of O'Toole's battling head success in the concluding Golf Inn Prestwick Handicap Hurdle.
Speaking on racing TV, Slevin said: "Obviously I was very lucky over Christmas, and I'm delighted to link up with Simon and Isaac to fill Daryl's boots – they'll take plenty of filling, so we'll try our best.
"I've been working with Stuart for a long, long time and Simon and Isaac obviously came on board there and I got to know them through that, so even though it is starting a new role, it's just continuing on with the old really and I'm looking forward to it."
