Shane Jackson says winning the Grand National Hurdle as a trainer brought ten times more excitement than his two victories in the saddle.

Highland Blaze led all the way at Sandown on Sunday to hand Jackson his first Grand National success as a trainer, scoring by five lengths over last year’s winner Affluential.

“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.

Highland Blaze joined Jackson’s team after the retirement of former trainer Jackson Pallot, debuting in the Jericho Cup last December before switching to jumps.

“He’s just done everything we’ve asked,” Jackson said.

The win was also a breakthrough for young jockey Jordan Hart, who delivered a bold front-running ride.

“It was a perfect ride and what a beauty of a ride,” Jackson said.

Highland Blaze will now skip Ballarat and be aimed at the Jericho Cup in December.

Meanwhile, Prismatic was declared a non-starter after running inside the markers on the first lap.