Short and McInerney to represent Ireland in Australia jockeys' challenge

Sporting battles between Ireland and Australia have often made for memorable viewing and promising conditional jockeys Adam Short and Donal McInerney will be hoping to claim victory as they head down under this Sunday to represent Ireland in the 2018 Jockey Challenge versus Australia.

The talented pair, who recorded personal best tallies last season and have started the 2018-19 campaign brightly, join Australian-based but Irish-born riders Martin Kelly and Shane Jackson in forming the Irish team.

"It's a great privilege to be representing my country as I'm aware it isn't something many people get to do," said Short, who enjoyed success on Last Goodbye in the €100,000 Chanelle Pharma Handicap Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Watch Last Goodbye win under Adam Short here

"Working in racing can make it difficult to find time to get away and see a different part of the world but this is a great opportunity to do so and hopefully we can do our best in the competition."

Last season's champion conditional McInerney said: "I'm really looking forward to a great experience which I can learn from in terms of how things are done in Australia."

Donal McInerney (left), Andrew Coonan (centre) and Adam Short (right) ahead of the riders' trip to AustraliaCredit: Caroline Norris

Andrew Coonan, secretary to the Irish Jockeys Association, said: "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."

Among those wishing the riders well included Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh and President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, who said: "The series symbolises the long and enduring friendship between Ireland and Australia, one that rests on not only the long history of Irish migration to Australia, but upon our shared love of sport, from rugby to horseracing."