Big win for Jackson Down Under

Irish born jockey Shane Jackson has had the biggest win of his career in Australia today.

The 33-year-old, who moved from Ireland in 2012, was the leading National Hunt rider in Australia last year but until now the Grand Annual Steeplechase at his local track of Warrnambool had eluded him.

Jackson rode the 11/8 favourite Ablaze trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace in today's A$315,000 race and the pair romped home by an easy six lengths.

What a race. Gold Medals late, Zed Em was brave but Ablaze was simply too good, your 2020 Grand Annual winner. 🙏 #TheBool @cmaherracing @wboolracingclub pic.twitter.com/oAbhNuv5Fx

— Racing.com (@Racing) May 5, 2020

This was only the third start over jumps for Ablaze who looks to have a bright future in the National Hunt game.

The second and third horses home had won the previous two renewals of the race so the form looks solid.

Ablaze also won the prestigious Jericho Cup over three miles on the flat at the same course in January when ridden by another Irish rider Johnny Allen.

Ciaron Maher for whom this was a record-equaling fifth win in the Grand Annual Steeplechase said of Jackson: "He works hard at it Shane. He's been really wanting to tick this one off.

"Phenomenal ride. That horse needed a brilliant ride to get him there because he was an inexperienced horse."

Ablaze will now be aimed at the Australian Grand National which Maher famously teamed up with Ruby Walsh to win 2015 with Bashboy.