Slowmotion continues Joseph O’Brien’s tremendous start as a trainer

Four graded races supported the Irish National and Joseph O’Brien, despite not officially having his licence, continued the tremendous start to his training career by landing the opening Grade Two Juvenile Hurdle with the promising Slowmotion.

After the victory of Ivanovich Gorbatov in the Triumph Hurdle, the Piltown-based trainer had a good handle on the form of this season’s four-year-olds, and this filly, also carrying the colours of JP McManus, showed herself to be another potential star when winning in style.

Caught late on her only previous start in Ireland, she clearly benefitted from the outing. Ridden with utmost confidence this time by Barry Geraghty, she raced in a share of third place for much of the trip as Tocororo raced clear. The leader came back to the pack before the turn for home, and Slowmotion eased away up the straight to beat the well-backed Rashaan with plenty in hand.