Trainer Shane Jackson is set to call on Irish expertise in his bid to capture Sunday’s prestigious Grand National Hurdle at Sandown. Jackson will saddle up both Highland Blaze and Loft in the 4200m feature, confident the pair can provide him with another major jumps victory.

With regular rider Tommy Ryan opting to partner The Cunning Fox, Jackson turned to highly accomplished Irish jockey Sean Flanagan, one of Ireland’s leading cross-country riders. Flanagan, currently competing at the five-day Galway Festival, will take rides on Friday night (Australian time) before boarding a plane to Australia for Sunday’s assignment.

“I’ve been friends with Sean for years,” Jackson said. “We rode against each other back in the day, and I asked if he’d consider coming out to ride in the Grand National. I told him I had a live chance, and he didn’t hesitate, even though it means missing a few days’ riding at the Galway Festival.”

Flanagan’s resume includes several Cheltenham Festival wins and consistent top-five finishes in Ireland’s jockey ranks. Jackson believes that his experience will be invaluable in a high-pressure contest like the Grand National.

Irish riders have flown in for the race before, with legendary jockey Ruby Walsh famously taking out the 2015 Grand National Steeplechase on Bashboy for Ciaron Maher.

Loft made a bright start to his hurdling career with back-to-back wins but has been below his best on heavy ground at his last two outings. Jackson expects Sunday’s soft conditions to suit him far better. “He gets bogged down when it’s really heavy, but a Soft 6 or 7 will bring out his best,” he said.

Highland Blaze, who powered home to defeat Loft over 3400m at Hamilton on July 20, shapes as another strong chance. “The further he goes, the better he gets,” Jackson said. “He tends to hit a flat spot in his races, but he always finds the line strongly.”

Jackson knows the Grand National Hurdle always attracts a high-quality field but believes his pair are genuine contenders. “It’s a lucrative race and everyone brings their best hurdlers, but I wouldn’t swap my two. If things go our way, they’ll be right there at the finish.”