James McDonald signs autographs for fans in Hong Kong
Photo: Tara Hughes
When asked on television as an apprentice what race in the world he would most like to win, James McDonald simply replied "probably some big Group One race in Hong Kong".
Four years later McDonald, 20, achieved that goal guiding Xtension (Xaar) to back-to-back victories in the HKJC Gr.1 BMW Champions Mile (1600m). McDonald is no stranger to the elite riding ranks and Sunday's win was his 13th at Group One level and eighth Group One success of the current season.
"As a kid I always dreamed of riding in a country like this, to ride against the calibre of jockeys over here is a real privilege and hopefully I will be back again sometime soon," said McDonald.
Trainer John Moore, who also saddled veteran galloper Able One (NZ) (Cape Cross) in the race who produced a customary bold run to finish fourth, was full of praise for McDonald who was requested for the ride by owners Mr and Mrs Steven Lo Kit Sing.
"It was the greatest ride you will ever see, he got him across and right behind Able One," said Moore. " I was a bit worried at the 200 metre mark that he had got into a bit of a pocket but the horse got to the line strongly."
McDonald has been riding an upward wave of momentum since making Auckland Cup week his own in March. Over the three-day carnival he won three Group One races, was relegated to second after initially winning another, and also picked up a Group Three event.
He then landed his first Sydney Group One with Temple of Boom (Picolo) in the Galaxy Sprint and a further three races on the day in April. And before boarding his flight to Hong Kong he made it one win for one ride for legendary trainer Gai Waterhouse when Ruben Percival (NZ) (Al Akbar) won the Provincial Stayers Championship Final (2250m).
Moore said Xtension will now head to Singapore for the Singapore Airlines International Cup (2000m) on May 20, opting against a trip to Japan for the Yasuda Kinen at this stage, and McDonald is likely to ride again.
"I am riding in Scone the day before which is a fair way from any airports but I'm sure we will be able to manage it," said McDonald.
As to the future McDonald is content to continue enjoying the ride even if it is taking him far away from home.
"I come from a dairy farm back home and the big city and bright lights I am not used to it, but I am loving it," he said. "I am enjoying my riding down in the southern hemisphere and I would love to ride in the northern hemisphere more, I have a saddle and I will travel."
"I would consider a full time contract in Hong Kong if the opportunity came up, but I don't know when it will be hopefully in a couple of years."
The 2010 New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year, King's Rose (NZ) (Redoute's Choice) was hampered by her wide draw, racing wide without cover throughout.
"The pace was slow and I really had no choice other than to make a mid-race move but she is a better chaser," said jockey Luke Nolan. "Everywhere I went was basically the wrong spot."
Four years later McDonald, 20, achieved that goal guiding Xtension (Xaar) to back-to-back victories in the HKJC Gr.1 BMW Champions Mile (1600m). McDonald is no stranger to the elite riding ranks and Sunday's win was his 13th at Group One level and eighth Group One success of the current season.
"As a kid I always dreamed of riding in a country like this, to ride against the calibre of jockeys over here is a real privilege and hopefully I will be back again sometime soon," said McDonald.
Trainer John Moore, who also saddled veteran galloper Able One (NZ) (Cape Cross) in the race who produced a customary bold run to finish fourth, was full of praise for McDonald who was requested for the ride by owners Mr and Mrs Steven Lo Kit Sing.
"It was the greatest ride you will ever see, he got him across and right behind Able One," said Moore. " I was a bit worried at the 200 metre mark that he had got into a bit of a pocket but the horse got to the line strongly."
McDonald has been riding an upward wave of momentum since making Auckland Cup week his own in March. Over the three-day carnival he won three Group One races, was relegated to second after initially winning another, and also picked up a Group Three event.
He then landed his first Sydney Group One with Temple of Boom (Picolo) in the Galaxy Sprint and a further three races on the day in April. And before boarding his flight to Hong Kong he made it one win for one ride for legendary trainer Gai Waterhouse when Ruben Percival (NZ) (Al Akbar) won the Provincial Stayers Championship Final (2250m).
Moore said Xtension will now head to Singapore for the Singapore Airlines International Cup (2000m) on May 20, opting against a trip to Japan for the Yasuda Kinen at this stage, and McDonald is likely to ride again.
"I am riding in Scone the day before which is a fair way from any airports but I'm sure we will be able to manage it," said McDonald.
As to the future McDonald is content to continue enjoying the ride even if it is taking him far away from home.
"I come from a dairy farm back home and the big city and bright lights I am not used to it, but I am loving it," he said. "I am enjoying my riding down in the southern hemisphere and I would love to ride in the northern hemisphere more, I have a saddle and I will travel."
"I would consider a full time contract in Hong Kong if the opportunity came up, but I don't know when it will be hopefully in a couple of years."
The 2010 New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year, King's Rose (NZ) (Redoute's Choice) was hampered by her wide draw, racing wide without cover throughout.
"The pace was slow and I really had no choice other than to make a mid-race move but she is a better chaser," said jockey Luke Nolan. "Everywhere I went was basically the wrong spot."