Video replay: O’Brien and Slevin Triumph Again in Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
On Tuesday, March 12th, trainer Joseph O’Brien and jockey JJ Slevin celebrated another victory in the prestigious Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, replicating their success from five years ago with Lark In The Mornin.
Great effort from JJ Slevin!
Footage from our special Horse In Focus Racing TV Extra channel shows how free Boodles winner Lark In The Mornin was and what an excellent job the jockey did to find cover and get him settled in the pack@JosephOBrien2 #cheltenhamfestival pic.twitter.com/jbaAJZMbTT
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 12, 2024
Joseph O’Brien expressed initial concerns about the rain affecting Lark In The Mornin’s performance but praised Slevin for delivering a fantastic ride and finding the best ground throughout the race. Despite the challenging conditions, O’Brien was thrilled with the outcome, highlighting the significance of winning at such a prestigious event.
JJ Slevin shared insights into Lark In The Mornin’s preparation, acknowledging the horse’s struggles with the ground conditions. Following O’Brien’s advice to be patient and seek fresh ground, Slevin executed the race strategy perfectly, securing the win. Slevin also expressed optimism for Bambridge’s upcoming run in the Ryanair Chase, hoping for favorable weather conditions.
Tom Harney, rider of the runner-up Eagles Reign, reflected on the race, noting a flat spot in the horse’s performance but commending Slevin’s exceptional ride. Despite missing out on the win, Harney expressed delight for Slevin’s success and vowed to return for another shot at victory.
Ross O’Sullivan, trainer of Eagles Reign, praised the horse’s progressive nature and tough spirit, highlighting the significance of competing at the Cheltenham Festival. Despite being a relatively cheap purchase, Eagles Reign’s runner-up finish brought immense joy to the owner, marking a memorable moment in their long-standing tradition of attending the Festival.
In the 4:50 pm Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, Lark In The Mornin emerged victorious at odds of 9-1, followed by Eagles Reign and Ndaawi. The win marked Slevin’s third Festival victory and O’Brien’s fourth, cementing their status as formidable contenders in the racing world.
