RacingBetter News
	Tuesday 7th January 2024

James McDonald Cements his Status as the Best Jockey in the World

James McDonald demonstrated why many people rate him as the best jockey in the world with a series of stellar performances towards the end of the year.

The New Zealand-born rider showcased his talents at the Melbourne Cup Racing Carnival at Flemington Racecourse in November, riding a career-best 11 winners.

McDonald’s efforts earned him more than $320,000 for just four days work and could have been more as he probably should have had another four winning rides.

Despite this, the Kiwi was undoubtedly the scourge of the bookmakers at Flemington after producing sizeable returns to sports bettors during the meeting.

The Betway New Zealand platform was inundated with wagers on McDonald’s mounts as punters took advantage of his superb run of form.
Bettors capitalised again in December as McDonald continued to shine during his visit to the lucrative Hong Kong racing circuit.

His standout victory was aboard Romantic Warrior, with the combination producing a devastating display to claim an easy victory in the Hong Kong International Cup at Sha Tin.

Top British jockey Ryan Moore was hoping to show why is so highly rated aboard Content, but was left trailing as McDonald powered past his rivals in the home straight.

The Danny Shum-trained six-year-old was winning the event for the third consecutive year and McDonald was eager to pay tribute to others after the race.

“It’s been a remarkable effort by Danny and his team,” McDonald said.

“The Japanese put it to him but with no luck. He is the best.

“He has been flying. Anyone could ride him - he’s that easy, but I’m the lucky one. He’s the horse of a lifetime and I’m so proud of him.

“This was our moment to create history and it felt like I was lining up for the winning kick for the All Blacks - it was a pinch me moment.”

While McDonald was humble in assessment of Romantic Warrior’s latest victory, his comments undoubtedly underplay the role he has played in the partnership.

His ability to place the horse in the right position during races sets him apart from many other jockeys, particularly Moore.

While the British rider has numerous big-race victories on his CV, many punters believe he is guilty of riding too many ill-judged races aboard fancied horses.

By contrast, McDonald’s steely resolve makes him a jockey worth following at big meetings – a point he hammered home on his final day in Hong Kong.

McDonald bagged four winners, a second and a third from nine rides at Sha Tin to end his stint with 19 wins and 21 placed finishes from 89 rides.
He amassed approximately $14.81m in prize money for connections during his short stay in Hong Kong and repeatedly had the bookies running for cover.

McDonald’s final day victories aboard Super Legends, Lady’s Choice, Divano and Johannes Brahms left him fourth in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship. This is a staggering achievement given that he spends the bulk of his time in Australia.

The Kiwi is scheduled to return to Hong Kong to partner Voyage Bubble in the Stewards’ Cup on January 19. The combination won the Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin earlier this month.

He is also likely to be aboard Johannes Brahms in the Hong Derby in March and will fancy his chances of adding another victory to his glittering career CV.

McDonald’s performances have deservedly earned him the Longines World’s Best Jockey award for 2024, cementing his status as the best in the business.

Despite winning 17 Group 1s in three different countries over the past year, McDonald insists he is still hungry for more success in 2025.
“We all set goals to be better than the season before and I’ll keeping doing that,” McDonald said.

“Obviously, it gets to a point where you can’t, but every year is achievable to be better and I’ll hope to build on this year. It’s going to be hard to do because it’s been one hell of a year, but we’ll definitely strive for it.”