McDonald brings up 100th metropolitan win for 2021/22

[Wandering Eyes]

James McDonald has had a season to remember in the saddle. (Photo: Darryl Sherer)

Champion jockey James McDonald has notched up his 100th metropolitan win for the 2021/22 racing season, a milestone he has now reached in four consecutive years.

The Sydney-based jockey steered Chris Waller’s filly Pretty Wild to victory at Warwick Farm on Wednesday in the opening race, which was only fitting given the partnership McDonald and Waller have built of late.

Already this season, McDonald has won almost AU$35 million in prizemoney for connections, partly thanks to his 10 Group 1 victories including the Melbourne Cup aboard Verry Elleegant.

McDonald also won The Everest for the first time, partnering Nature Strip to victory in October, before winning the VRC Sprint Classic aboard the champion sprinter in November and then adding the TJ Smith Stakes in April at Randwick during The Championships.

“I’ve done it,” McDonald chuckled.

“That was a bit of a relief. Good to do it on Chris’ horse who is obviously very smart.

“She just went about her business really well and scooted through that heavy ground most importantly.

“She let down terrific. She split it (headwind) really well so that was a good sign.”

PRETTY WILD (#BrazenBeau) gives @mcacajamez his 100th city winner for the season! @cwallerracing @sam_armytage @MClarke23 @BigSportsBrekky pic.twitter.com/aENderTnY2

— Ashlea Brennan (@ashbrennanphoto) June 1, 2022

In the past month, Longines has revealed that the 29-year-old hoop is a clear leader in the race for the World’s Best Jockey title, 50 points ahead of Vincent Ho.

McDonald has a terrific chance to add to his Group 1 tally for the season during the next fortnight.

He partners Dynasties in Saturday’s Queensland Oaks, while he will likely ride current all-in favourite Political Debate should he gain a start in the J.J. Atkins next weekend at Eagle Farm.

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