James McDonald On His European Summer Stint

It was a fantastic thrill to win the Northumberland Plate for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin aboard Antiquarium at Newcastle (UK) on Saturday.

This is my fourth stint riding in Britain, but it was my biggest win here and it meant a lot to me.

Full credit to Antiquarium, who really accelerated in the closing stages to win it with an impressive finishing thrust. We know he stays well, and he is improving. It was a very good effort.

I have to admit the Tapeta track surface was slower than I had been anticipating. I had ridden on something similar in Singapore, which was a lot faster. I am sure climate plays a big part in how these synthetic tracks ride.

It was hard work for many horses in the Plate, but Antiquarium has a good turn of foot. That will be a big string to his bow as he progresses up the ladder. He's got a good future.

I felt honoured to win the Northumberland Plate for Team Godolphin. The race itself has so much tradition and it has been won by many very good stayers. I was thrilled for Charlie Appleby and everybody connected with the horse.

I love riding in Britain. It is different to Australia, where racing is conducted on what the English would describe as oval tracks. Over on this side of the world, there is much more variety. Bigger, wider courses, many with remarkable undulations.

Newcastle (UK) was another new experience. It has taken me a couple of years to become accustomed to the rhythm of English racing and getting my geography up to scratch. This time round, it is nice turning up for a day's racing and knowing the course. Experience is everything.

The old saying that a change of scenery is as good as a holiday is true in my case. It freshens you up mentally, gets you sharper.

I have been told that I will get more rides for Godolphin in the near future, but how long I stay in Britain this time is up to people in higher positions than I occupy. I am happy to go where I am sent.

All the while, I have one eye on the Sydney Jockeys' Championship, which I am attempting to win back from Hugh Bowman. I believe I am currently 29 wins ahead, and the season ends on July 31. Although this is a comfortable buffer, it is still worth monitoring.

Our good horses in Australia are presently laying the foundations in their preparation for the Spring. Their first races of the campaign are scheduled for August.

In the meantime, I will focus on continuing to enjoy my stint in Britain, and I hope to ride more winners for Godolphin.

James McDonald, 24, is Godolphin's retained jockey in Australia. He is based in Sydney but rides at all the major racing carnivals in Australia. He is a regular visitor to Britain in the summer.