2021
James McDonald set a high bar in 2021 when he made history by becoming the first jockey to ride ten winners over Melbourne Cup Carnival week. This exceptional achievement marked him as a standout talent in Australian racing, as he took four victories on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, including a Group 1 win in the Coolmore Stud Stakes with Home Affairs. McDonald’s Carnival high point was his win in the Lexus Melbourne Cup on Verry Elleegant, a long-awaited achievement that brought his Carnival tally to six by day two. His streak continued with two wins on Kennedy Oaks Day, and by the final day, he added Group 1 titles in the Darley Sprint Classic on Nature Strip and Mackinnon Stakes with Zaaki, reaching an unprecedented ten wins.
2022
The following year, McDonald’s momentum continued with eight wins in the 2022 Melbourne Cup Carnival, making him the leading rider at Flemington once again and securing him a second consecutive Ron Hutchinson Award.
2023
McDonald maintained his incredible form in 2023, repeating as the top jockey with four wins across Cup Week, which included three Group 1s: the Penfolds Victoria Derby, the VRC Oaks, and the TAB Champions Stakes. This consistency reinforced his status as a master jockey, known for his skill and remarkable ability to deliver under pressure.
2024
At the conclusion of Crown Oaks Day, McDonald is poised for another potential record-breaking year, with seven wins already under his belt. TAB Champions Stakes Day offers him a chance to reach the fabled ten-win mark once more, cementing his reputation as the King of the Carnival.
Wins so far
- Aeliana – Channel 9 Carbine Club Stakes
- Atishu – G1 TAB Empire Rose Stakes
- Switzerland – G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes
- Cloudland – MSS Security Subzero Handicap
- Opening Address – TAB Trophy
- Light Infantry Man – Listed Chester Manifold Stakes
- Amelita – Red Roses Stakes
Rides on TAB Champions Stakes Day
Race 1 – Anahita (Waller)
Race 3 – Serpentine (Waterhouse/Bott)
Race 4 – Front Page (Dale)
Race 5 – Hinged (Waller)
Race 6 (Champions Sprint) – Sunshine In Paris (Neasham/Archibald)
Race 7 (Champions Mile) – Fangirl (Waller)
Race 8 (Champions Stakes) – Via Sistina (Waller)
Race 9 – Pisanello (Cummings)
