Irish rider flies in for 2025 Grand National Hurdle ride

Trainer Shane Jackson has enlisted the help of leading Irish jockey Sean Flanagan to partner one of his two runners in Sunday’s Grand National Hurdle at Sandown. Jackson will saddle both Highland Blaze and Loft for the 4200m feature, confident they can deliver another major jumps success.

Regular rider Tommy Ryan has chosen to partner The Cunning Fox, leaving Jackson to think creatively. “I’ve known Sean for years. We rode against each other, and when I asked if he could come for the Grand National, he was keen straight away, even though it meant missing some rides at the Galway Festival,” Jackson said.

Flanagan is a highly respected jockey in Ireland, finishing consistently among the top riders and having already tasted success at the Cheltenham Festival. “For a race of this calibre, his experience will be invaluable,” Jackson said.

Loft, a dual hurdle winner earlier this year, has struggled on rain-affected tracks at his past two outings, but Jackson expects better conditions on Sunday. “A Soft 6 or 7 is perfect for him; heavy ground just dulls his turn of foot,” he said.

Highland Blaze, who came from behind to defeat Loft over 3400m at Hamilton on July 20, is expected to thrive over the longer trip. “The further he goes, the better he gets. He can hit a flat spot mid-race but always powers home,” Jackson said.

The Grand National Hurdle is once again shaping as a top-quality contest. “It’s a high prize money race, and everyone is keen to run their best horses, but I wouldn’t trade my pair. If things fall into place, they’ll be in the mix at the finish,” Jackson added.