James McDonald claims sixth Sydney Jockeys Premiership

[Wandering Eyes]

James McDonald has finished the season with 105 NSW metropolitan wins (Photo: Darryl Sherer)

James McDonald has once again shown that he is all class, claiming a sixth NSW Metropolitan Jockeys Premiership.

The 30-year-old hoop had a terrific season in the saddle not just in New South Wales, but right across the globe, which included wins at Royal Ascot and Happy Valley, as well as his Melbourne Cup (3200m) and Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) wins.

McDonald rode 105 metropolitan winners in his home state from 484 rides, which saw his prizemoney earnt reach more than $20 million.

READ: HorseBetting’s Top 10 wins of the 2021/22 racing season

The jockey enjoyed success in The Everest (1200m) aboard Nature Strip in 2021, before adding another Group 1 to his tally aboard the champion sprinter in the autumn of 2022, winning a third straight TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick.

The gun hoop also had multiple Group 1 success aboard wonder mare Verry Elleegant.

On top of her Melbourne Cup victory, Verry Elleegant and James McDonald combined for wins in the George Main Stakes and Chipping Norton Stakes over the mile.

While the majority of McDonald’s first-class success was aboard Chris Waller-trained gallopers, he also enjoyed Sydney Group 1 wins in partnership with Godolphin’s James Cummings.

Star colt Anamoe gave McDonald an eighth Group 1 win for the season in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m), before flashy chestnut gelding Cascadian finished the Sydney Autumn Carnival with a fast-finishing win in the All Aged Stakes (1400m).

McDonald finished the metropolitan with an unrivalled winning strike rate of 21.7% in New South Wales and an impressive 22.7% winning strike rate nation wide, thanks to 26 city wins inter-state.

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