Glasses raised to McDonald and Maher

In another week of stellar and memorable racing in the sport’s crowing week in Australia, James McDonald and Ciaron have risen above to claim the leading jockey and trainer awards for 2024.

Ron Hutchison Award – leading jockey

“One of the best weeks in racing, and it's great to ride here.”

So regularly dominant on the track, McDonald claimed his sixth Ron Hutchison award with the now 97-year-old former globetrotting star presenting the trophy to the 32-year-old 102-time Group 1 winner.

McDonald opened his carnival account with three winners on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day that included the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) aboard Switzerland and winning on Atishu in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m).

Two winners on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day were followed by another pair on Crown Oaks Day most memorably with Light Infantry Man in the Listed Edward Manifold Stakes in memory of the last Colin McKenna.

McDonald earned 10 points on Derby Day and 11 points on each of Cup Day and Oaks Day.

Two wins, two seconds and a third on Cup Day earned him 11 points with the same tally on Oaks Day.

He rounded out TAB Champions Day with a four-timer - highlighted by Via Sistina in the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) and Sunshine In Paris in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) - for a total score of 47.5 points. That was more than 26 points ahead of second-placed Damian Lane, and surpassed Damien Oliver’s record of winning five Ron Hutchison Awards.

J B Cummings Award – leading trainer

“It is the biggest racing carnival in Australia and it seems every bit as big or bigger this year.” 

In a career littered with top shelf success, earning the J B Cummings Award this year is a first for Ciaron Maher.

Maher earned 8.5 points on Derby Day, four points on Cup Day while Oaks Day was fruitful with 11 points. TAB Champions Day delivered a further 14.5 points for an overall tally of 27.5.

A quinella with Another Wil and Jimmysstar in the Group 2 The Damien Oliver (1400m) highlighted the opening day of the carnival for the stable while Okita Soushi’s third placing in the Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) kicked along his Tuesday score.

A treble on Crown Oaks Day with Running By (Inglis Bracelet) together with Kettle Hill and Light Infantry Man saluting set what seemed to be an unassailable lead into the final day.

Day four was highlighted by Smokin’ Romans’ win in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) and Bella Nipotina’s third placing in the Champions Sprint.

“I’m pretty proud,” Maher said.

“They are coming (here) from all over the world.”