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James McDonald

James McDonald
The latest news and top stories on James McDonald, a New Zealand jockey. He is a member of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame and was named World Jockey of the Year in 2021 and 2024. McDonald has secured over 2,300 career wins, including more than 100 Group 1 victories across multiple countries. His accomplishments include winning the Melbourne Cup, King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and multiple Hong Kong Cups. He holds several Sydney Champion Jockey titles and recently completed a successful short-term stint in Hong Kong, further solidifying his international expertise.
Romantic Warrior wins the Jockey Club Cup under James McDonald. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Hong Kong racing

J-Mac still in awe of Warrior: ‘I’ve never felt like he’s ever going to lose’

Superstar jockey oozes confidence ahead of champion galloper’s bid for fourth straight Hong Kong Cup success.

Hong Kong racing

J-Mac, Zac confident of HK Mile chances in wide-open contest

Hong Kong racing

Relive Romantic Warrior’s three spine-tingling Hong Kong Cup victories

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Hong Kong racing

Who wins the IJC at Happy Valley? Here’s what our tipsters think

The Post’s seven-strong panel rates Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman as the ones to beat in Wednesday night’s prestigious contest.

Zac Purton celebrates his first IJC victory in 2017. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Hong Kong racing

IJC first and then a longer HK stint for Moreira? ‘Hopefully we can come back soon’

Superstar Brazilian can’t wait to rekindle some old memories when he rides at Happy Valley for the first time in over three years.

Hong Kong racing

J-Mac bids for breakthrough IJC success: ‘we’re due one, but you never know’

Runner-up in the prestigious contest at Happy Valley three times, the superstar jockey is optimistic about his rides.

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Hong Kong racing

Hayes eyes International Jockeys’ Championship trainers’ bonus with Valley squad

The top handler has seven contenders across the four key races at the city circuit on Wednesday night.

David Hayes is eyeing a big payday at Happy Valley. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Hong Kong racing

Who wins at Sha Tin? Cheer For South can get the punters roaring

Owen Goulding runs through his tips ahead of Sunday’s 10-race card.

Hong Kong racing

Chris So eager to see Top Dragon pass big test en route to Classic Series

Handler hopes exciting four-year-old can overcome equal top weight and a wide draw at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Hong Kong racing

Patch and Express on track to peak at HKIR after tuning up in star-studded trial

Jockeys of two Group One contenders ooze confidence after a 1,200m hit-out at Sha Tin on Thursday morning.

Helios Express (left) trials at Sha Tin on Thursday morning. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Hong Kong racing

The HK Racing Postscript: who’s hot, who’s not and the best of November

Zac Purton struck once again, Vincent Ho and David Eustace had their best months of the season and David Probert’s woes continued.

Jockey Zac Purton and trainer David Eustace were two of the star performers of November. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Hong Kong racing

Dazzling Fit and Colourful King overcome tough draws to hand Eustace a double

British handler’s pair of progressive four-year-olds score stylish victories from unsuitable gates on Sunday.

Hong Kong racing

Who wins at Sha Tin? Debut winner can take Luck out of the equation

Sam Agars runs through his tips for what will be a subdued afternoon at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Hong Kong racing

Sovereign skips Chevalier Cup with Bowman in the mix for HK Cup ride

Last year’s Hong Kong Derby hero is bound for another clash with Romantic Warrior after being withdrawn from Sha Tin on Sunday.

Jockey Hugh Bowman is in line to ride Massive Sovereign for David Eustace. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Hong Kong racing

Bowman and Ho snag final IJC berths at Happy Valley

Dramatic conclusion in the race to make the coveted competition sees the pair ride three winners between them.

Allcash (grey) and Hugh Bowman win at Happy Valley. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Hong Kong racing

Bubble confirmed to defend Mile crown against five international raiders

Triple Crown hero will drop back to 1,600m when he takes on the likes of Soul Rush and Embroidery on December 14.

Hong Kong racing

Romantic Warrior crushes Voyage Bubble to land third Jockey Club Cup

The seven-year-old is a dominant winner despite being ‘85 per cent’ fit according to his trainer.

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Hong Kong racing

J-Mac’s peach propels Patch to first win in 13 months in Jockey Club Mile

Superstar jockey’s ground-saving ride helps Pierre Ng’s stable star break through as hot favourite My Wish only manages fourth.

James McDonald guides Galaxy Patch to victory in the Jockey Club Mile. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Hong Kong racing

Shum expects Warrior to return with a bang: ‘He’s happy and healthy’

Veteran handler has no concerns about superstar’s long injury lay-off ahead of his comeback at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Hong Kong racing

Who wins at Sha Tin? Beauty can Bolt into Classic Series contention

Jay Rooney runs through his selections for the 10-race card, which is headlined by the Class Two Lukfook Jewellery Cup (1,200m).

Hong Kong racing

J-Mac gives a glowing report on Warrior while confirming Patch and Network rides

Superstar jockey reunites with 10-time Group One winner in a track gallop ahead of his return from injury.

James McDonald gallops Romantic Warrior on the Sha Tin turf on Tuesday morning. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Hong Kong racing

Moreira and Lemaire return to IJC line-up, while injured Moore remains a chance

Reigning champion Mickael Barzalona, Kiwi gun James McDonald, William Buick, Hollie Doyle, Rachel King and Umberto Rispoli complete a superstar overseas cast.

Christophe Lemaire enjoys a Sha Tin winner in 2022. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Hong Kong racing

Purton to ride Voyage Bubble in latest clash with Warrior in Jockey Club Cup

Champion jockey reunites with Triple Crown hero after connections opt to step him up to 2,000m on November 23.

Hong Kong racing

Purton’s big few days – The Everest, 1,900 wins and now an almighty spray

Just hours after reaching another significant milestone, the eight-time champion jockey is labelled ‘a big sissy’ by Maureen Haggas.

Hong Kong racing

Moreira’s knock-back shows brutal competitiveness of HK weighing room

With the jockey ranks one of the strongest in recent memory, the Brazilian is no longer guaranteed a spot on the roster.

Joao Moreira enjoys a winner at Sha Tin earlier this year. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Hong Kong racing

Bowman says Helios Express ‘feels as good’ as last season after Sha Tin trial

John Size-trained sprinter will get his chance to land more feature success while Ka Ying Rising is in Australia.

Helios Express runs third in his 1,200m dirt trial at Sha Tin on Friday morning. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Hong Kong racing

Voyage Bubble tunes up for Sha Tin Trophy: ‘He felt good, sharp and fresh’

Matthew Poon does the steering as last season’s Hong Kong Triple Crown winner gears up for his return on October 19.

Hong Kong racing

JMac headlines quartet of jockeys granted short-term licences in HK

Kiwi champion returns for another winter stint, while three riders from Europe will also add firepower to the city’s riding ranks.

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