J.J. SLEVIN is hopeful that his new job as retained rider for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede will still allow him to continue riding for trainer Joseph O’Brien and owners Sean and Bernardine Mulryan.

Following Daryl Jacob’s retirement from the saddle at Leopardstown last weekend, Munir and Souede moved swiftly to sign up Slevin who memorably won the 2024 Irish Grand National for the owners aboard Intense Raffles.

Slevin got the new partnership off to winning start with a double on Monday at Ayr, both horses trained in Northern Ireland by Stuart Crawford.

Munir and Souede have horses in training with Nicky Henderson and Nigel Twiston-Davies in Britain. Most of their Irish-based horses are with Willie Mullins and stable jockey Paul Townend will have first call on those, as was the case when Jacob was retained by the ‘Double Green’ owners.

In recent seasons Slevin has enjoyed numerous big race wins for trainer Joseph O’Brien and the Mulryans, most of whose horses are trained by Martin Brassil, including star chaser Fastorslow. Over Christmas Slevin won two Grade 1 races for O’Brien and missed out on the King George VI Chase win on Banbridge as he was required to ride for the Mulryans at Leopardstown.

Asked how the new arrangement might impact on those connections, Slevin said: “I don’t think it will have a massive effect. Sean and Bernardine have a select team, and Joseph does not have a huge number of jumpers either, so I don’t think there will be much of a crossover.”

Slevin recently returned from a serious foot injury and, though his riding is not affected, he is walking with a severe limp. “I’m still getting physiotherapy and not out of the woods yet,” he said. “There is still work to be done before I am 100% again.”

In a statement posted on social media, Simon 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.