McDonald Proud To Pick Up Second Sydney Title

James McDonald has cited the overall consistency of Godolphin's operation in Australia as the key reason he had his second Sydney jockeys' championship parcelled up long before the curtain drops on the season this weekend.

McDonald, 24, praised trainer John O'Shea and his team for their skill and professionalism and said he was looking forward to the new season (which starts on Monday, August 1) and a fresh crop of talented three-year-olds coming through.

"A jockeys' title is a great thing to have. It is an honour," McDonald said at Goodwood (UK) this week.

"I am fortunate enough to ride horses capable of winning some of the best races in Australia, but winning the jockeys' title for the second time is very important to me.

"It is recognition of all the hard work put in over the entire 12-month period. You strive to win it.

"I believe the overall consistency of all our horses for the whole season has been the highlight. I am very proud of everybody involved.

"To pick out one win above all others, though, it would be Holler winning his G1 Canterbury Stakes. It was a great win," he pointed out. "Also, winning the prize for most successful jockey at the Melbourne Spring Carnival was special," he added.

In a spectacularly successful career, both in his native New Zealand and Australia, McDonald has collected a total of 8 riding titles - 2 in Sydney, 2 in New Zealand, plus 4 apprentice titles in his homeland.

He lost out to rival High Bowman in the Sydney championship last year but he was determined to build up a big lead before heading off to England this time around. He has been based in Newmarket since June, having arrived just before Royal Ascot.

McDonald has ridden 16 winners in Britain on this stint.

"I got more opportunities this year in unfortunate circumstances for William Buick (who received a 30-day suspension from French officials)," McDonald explained.

McDonald won the Northumberland Plate on Antiquarium, plus the G2 Lennox Stakes on Dutch Connection - both were for Godolphin - and also landed the G2 Princess Of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket for trainer Michael Bell.

"I am delighted to be riding for Godolphin again in Europe, and I am happy that I have managed to pick up rides from other stables, as well," he said.