Their is a current discussion happening at the moment… Is James McDonald the best jockey of all time?
James McDonald is a world-class jockey who has established himself as one of the most successful and talented riders in Australian horse racing. Born on January 6, 1992, in New Zealand, McDonald has achieved remarkable success throughout his career.
Career Highlights (some of James McDonalds)
- World’s Best Jockey: McDonald won the Longines World’s Best Jockey title in 2021 and 2024, cementing his status as a global elite
- Group 1 Victories: As of 2024, McDonald has amassed an impressive 104 Group 1 wins, including 83 in Australia, 11 in New Zealand, 8 in Hong Kong, and one each in Japan and the United Kingdom
- Melbourne Cup: He rode Verry Elleegant to victory in the 2021 Melbourne Cup.
- Record-Breaking Performance: In 2021, McDonald became the first mount to ride ten winners during Melbourne Cup Carnival week.
Recent Achievements
- 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival: McDonald rode 11 winners across the Carnival’s four days, surpassing his own record set in 2021.
- Group 1 Wins: In the 2024 Carnival, he secured four Group 1 victories, including wins in the TAB Empire Rose Stakes, Coolmore Stud Stakes, Darley Champions Sprint, and TAB Champions Stakes.
- Ron Hutchinson Award: He won this award for the leading rider of Cup Week for the fourth consecutive year in 2024.
Riding Style and Reputation of James McDonald
McDonald is known for his consistency, skill under pressure, and ability to perform at the highest level. His success spans various distances and race types, demonstrating his versatility as a jockey.
Career Statistics for James McDonald
- Win Percentage: McDonald maintains an impressive career win rate of around 21-23% across various distances.
- Prize Money: He has accumulated significant prize money throughout his career, with consistent high-level performances.
- Preferred Trainers: While previously the main jockey for Godolphin, McDonald now frequently rides for Chris Waller, among other top trainers.
James McDonald’s consistent excellence, ability to perform in major races, and recognition as the World’s Best Jockey multiple times have solidified his position as one of the most accomplished jockeys in contemporary horse racing.
