JJ Slevin had the honour of riding the first winner in Ireland or Britain in 2024 as 5/1 chance Boldog landed the two-mile one-furlong maiden hurdle at Tramore on New Year’s Day. Trained by Joseph O’Brien for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, the six-year-old had any amount in hand as he beat the Henry de Bromhead-trained 11/8 chance Gorgeous Tom by five and a half lengths. Sean Flanagan was next into the winners’ enclosure as he partnered the Martin Hassett-trained Bynx to an equally cosy success in the two-mile one-furlong handicap hurdle. The BTF Racing Club-owned 6/1 shot made all the running to beat 4/1 chance Belle The Lioness, another trained by Henry de Bromhead, by three and a half lengths. A third County Wexford jockey to land a winner was Mayglass amateur Jack Hendrick who took the two-mile five-furlong handicap hurdle on the Declan Queally-trained Mick Charlie. On the day he turned 12 years of age, the 7/1 chance made much of the running to beat 20/1 chance Toor Moon by two and three-parts of a length in the colours of Thomas Coughlan.
Upcoming Fixtures
Clonmel – Thursday, January 11 (First Race 12.25pm)
Naas – Friday, January 12 (First Race 12.42pm)
Dundalk – Friday, January 12 (First Race 4.10pm)
Fairyhouse – Saturday, January 13 (First Race 12.12pm)
Punchestown – Sunday, January 14 (First Race 12.35pm)