O'Brien & Slevin team up with game Exactoris

Joseph O’Brien teamed up with his cousin JJ Slevin as Exactoris ran out a game winner of the novice handicap hurdle at Leopardstown.

The 4/1 shot was to the fore throughout and repelled the challenge of First To Boogie who came with his surge before the last flight.

Exactoris battled gamely on the run-in to record a two-length win.

“He travelled and jumped and stays well. JJ gave him a great ride and I think that might be his 7lb gone,” said O’Brien.

“He’s a tough horse and stays well. He won two bumpers so he’s not a bad horse.

“He was good and long at the last but he needed it. I suppose in the end he pulled away and won well.

“We’ll see what is for him and he could go into novice company also. He’ll get three miles as well.”