JOCKEYS Adam Short and Donal McInerney will fly out to Australia this Sunday, August 26th, to join Australian-based jockeys Martin Kelly and Shane Jackson to make up the Irish team for the 2018 Australia v Ireland Jockey Challenge.

This is the 32nd consecutive year that an Irish team has been invited to Australia to participate in the jockey challenge.

There have already been 42 contests staged in the two countries, with Ireland taking the honours on 26 occasions, Australia winning 15 times and one draw.

The series, which is based on a points system depending on the finishing positions, was won by Team Ireland last year on a score of 55 points to 35.

President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins has sent his well wishes to the team prior to their departure: “I send my best wishes to Adam Short, Donal McInerney, Shane Jackson and Martin Kelly as they prepare to compete in the Australia V Ireland Challenge Series in Adelaide. The Series symbolises the long and enduring friendship between Ireland and Australia, one that rests not only the long history of Irish migration to Australia, but upon our shared love of sport, from rugby to horse racing.

“Ever since the Series began in 1986, Irish and Australian jockeys have displayed skill and dedication in representing their countries, and I have no doubt that the competition will excite and delight all those fortunate enough to attend.”

This year’s race series will take place at Morphettville Racecourse on Irish Day, Saturday September 1st where the teams will compete in two races, a hurdle and steeplechase, for the coveted title.

Andrew Coonan, Secretary to the Irish Jockeys Association, commented: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Adam and Donal, two very talented riders. We have already seen their ability on show in Ireland so I am delighted that they now have the opportunity to show off their talent in another top racing jurisdiction. I am sure they will be well received by their hosts in Australia.”

Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “I’d like to wish the Irish team the best of luck in this year’s Australian challenge. It’s a big honour to be chosen to represent your country and I am sure that Adam, Donal, Shane and Martin will do us proud.”

Nominated by Thoroughbred Racing South Australia, respected jumps jockeys Martin Kelly and Shane Jackson live and work in Australia. Martin has ridden 50 winners, including Von Doussa and Great Eastern Steeplechases aboard champion jumper Thubiaan and is arguably in career best form with 15 wins in the 2017/18 season.

Shane’s feature victories have included the Lafferty Hurdle and Australian Steeplechase aboard Wilde’s successful jumper Gold Medals and also won this year’s Grand National Hurdle aboard Cougar Express.

Jim Watters, CEO, Thoroughbred Racing SA, commented: “The Australia v Ireland Jockey Challenge is always highly anticipated by both the jockeys and the spectators, and while we are thrilled to be welcoming two up and coming stars of Irish jumps racing to Australian shores, we hope that the Australian team of Lee Horner, Richard Cully, Braidon Small and Rob David can reverse last year’s result and keep the Challenge trophy in Australia this time around.”