Highland Blaze prevails in the 2025 Grand National Hurdle at Sandown

Shane Jackson says training his first Grand National Hurdle winner brought “ten times the excitement” compared to his previous victories as a jockey.

Highland Blaze led throughout to win Sunday’s Grand National Hurdle (4200m) at Sandown, giving Jackson his second major hurdle success this season.

Jackson, who won the race as a rider on Cougar Express (2018) and Ablaze (2020), admitted he was more nervous ahead of this year’s contest as a trainer.

“I won two of these as a rider, but I was never as nervous and didn’t get as much of a kick afterwards,” Jackson said.

Ridden by Jordan Hart, Highland Blaze scored by five lengths over last year’s champion Affluential, with Right Now close up in third.

Originally prepared by Jackson Pallot, Highland Blaze joined Jackson’s stable when Pallot retired from training.

He had his first run for Jackson in December’s Jericho Cup (4600m) at Warrnambool before switching to a career over jumps.

“What a horse,” Jackson said.

“He’s been in work for I don’t know how long.

“He came to me before the Jericho Cup last year, he had two weeks off after the Jericho and he’s just done everything we’ve asked of him.

“He’s been across to Adelaide and back and he just gives his all every time he comes to the races.

“It’s brilliant for the jockey. Here is a kid that claims three kilos, he ridden only a couple of winners and he’s ridden him like a true professional.”

Jackson left race tactics to Hart, a decision t