Wexford Racing News – Week Ending 9th March 2026

Wexford-based jockeys and trainers are continuing to make their mark on the Irish racing scene, with some thrilling performances across the country this week.

Wexford's JJ Slevin delivered a thrilling win in the Listed QuinnBet Handicap Chase at Leopardstown on Monday, riding O’Toole for trainer Stuart Crawford. Slevin took the inside rail and made a decisive move after the last fence, holding off a late challenge from 40-1 outsider Invictus Machin to win by a neck. Trainer Crawford praised the horse's patience and hinted that O’Toole could be aimed at the Boyle Sports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse this Easter.

On Tuesday, JJ Slevin was back in the winner’s circle, guiding Raffles Dolce Vita to a dominant victory in a beginners’ chase at Leopardstown. The five-year-old, trained by Tom Gibney, made all the running and won unchallenged by eight lengths at odds of 11-2. Slevin was impressed, drawing comparisons to Grade 1 winner Solness.

A dramatic finish in the 2m5f beginners’ chase at Leopardstown saw Wexford trainer Paul Nolan’s horse Joyau De Thaix charge home under jockey Eoin Staples to take the win by nearly two lengths. Dameauscottlestown had been in control, but a late rally from Nolan’s horse saw him take the spoils at 9-2. Nolan commented on the horse's staying power, saying Joyau De Thaix would benefit from the step up to three miles.

Bunclody amateur jockey Sophie Carter celebrated her first winner under rules when Lets Go Champ, trained by Mags Mullins, won a Hunters’ Chase at Gowran Park on Saturday. The veteran chaser, who had won a point-to-point with Carter just weeks earlier, held off even-money favourite Hunters Yarn to win by three-quarters of a length.

Conor Stone Walsh Claims Leinster National

Wexford jockey Conor Stone Walsh was part of a dramatic finish at Naas on Sunday, where The Lovely Man (trained by Gavin Cromwell) came from behind to edge out Goraibhmaithagat in the Listed Bar 1 Betting Leinster National. The 12-1 winner, owned by the Wild Guy Syndicate, claimed victory by a head after a thrilling finish. Cromwell was particularly pleased with the horse's resilience and form, with this being his third win in four starts.

Sean O'Keeffe Wins Bar 1 Racing Beginners’ Chase at Naas

Wexford’s Sean O’Keeffe was victorious in the Bar 1 Racing Beginners’ Chase at Naas on Sunday, riding Spread Boss Ted for Willie Mullins. The nine-year-old, who has battled injuries throughout his career, triumphed in a staying race, defeating 5-6 favourite Ballygunner Castle by half a length. O’Keeffe praised the work Mullins had done to bring the horse back to peak form.

Conor Houlihan and Barry Stone Shine at Naas

In other news, Wexford's Barry Stone partnered Kiltybo to victory in the mares’ bumper at Naas on Sunday, giving new trainer Conor Houlihan his third consecutive winner from as many runners. Kiltybo, owned and bred by Anthony Murphy, came out on top in a thrilling contest, finishing four lengths clear of the favourite Poetisa.