Even those who can do no wrong get it wrong!

[Chief Stipe]

Magic Millions blow for J-Mac after causing Hong Kong fall

www.racenet.com.au

Superstar jockey James McDonald will miss the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast next month after copping a lengthy suspension from Hong Kong stewards when they found him guilty of causing a fall at Sha Tin on Sunday night.

The world's best jockey will miss almost a month of racing from December 26 when his short-term riding contract in Hong Kong finishes after being slapped with the seven-meeting ban by chief steward Marc van Gestel.

 

Stewards found McDonald was responsible for fellow jockey Lyle Hewitson coming down in a fall aboard Joyful Hunter in the ninth race.

The South African hoop was was taken to hospital for treatment and believed to have suffered no serious injuries.

"J McDonald was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Thursday, 26 December 2024 and to expire on Thursday, 16 January 2025 on which day he may resume race riding," the stewards report reads.

"In addition, Jockey McDonald was fined $60,000. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 3 and the consequences grade 5 and also considered his very good race riding record."

 

 

With the $3m Magic Millions 2YO Classic on January 11 next year, McDonald will also miss the $3m The Sunlight slot race on the Gold Coast on January 4 as part of his suspension.

McDonald has enjoyed one of the most successful short-term riding contracts in Hong Kong racing history after winning both the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup and Mile only a week ago.

He sits a clear second on total prize money won for the season, trailing only the legendary Zac Purton, despite only having 64 rides to his 219 for the year.

McDonald won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic in 2022 aboard flying filly Coolangatta.

The suspension puts in jeopardy McDonald's chances of becoming only the second rider to win seven successive Sydney premierships as his rival riders continue to edge closer to the jockey premiership.

McDonald had a sensational start to the 2024-25 season riding 45 Sydney winners and was 25 wins clear of his nearest rival before he took up a short-term Hong Kong riding contract in early November.

The champion jockey was virtually unbackable odds to win another Sydney premiership when he left for Hong Kong but his title defence is no longer a foregone conclusion.

James McDonald won the Magic Million 2YO Classic aboard Coolangatta in 2022. He will miss next month's meeting because of suspension. Picture: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography

The in-form Tim Clark is putting himself into position to challenge for the premiership after taking his season's tally to 34 wins with a double at Canterbury last Friday night followed by his success on Robusto in the Group 2 The Ingham at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Jason Collett (27 wins), Nash Rawiller (26), Zac Lloyd (25) and Tommy Berry (24) are also within striking distance of the premiership lead.

McDonald has dominated Sydney racing in recent years winning six premierships in a row despite riding frequently interstate and overseas.

McDonald, who won't appeal his Hong Kong riding ban, hasn't ridden in Sydney since a midweek Rosehill meeting on November 13.

It is likely McDonald will make his Sydney racing comeback at the Canterbury night meeting on January 17 then back up at Rosehill Gardens the following day.

But McDonald is expected to ride frequently interstate at major Melbourne and Brisbane race days during autumn and winter next year, and there is also the likelihood he will travel overseas to ride Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior in the Saudi Cup (February 22) and Dubai World Cup (April 5).

– additional reporting by Ray Thomas