James McDonald’s win in the W.S. Cox Plate on Saturday was one for the ages. He became the the third jockey to win three consecutive Cox Plate wins – after Hugh Bowman (2015-2018) and Brent Thomson (1977-79) – and the second to do it on three different horses.
He and Via Sistina broke the track record, winning in 2:01.07, which smashed the previous record set by Winx in 2017 (2:02.94).
And, he also reached his 100th Group 1 win, becoming the youngest jockey to ever do so.
As he saddles up to make more memorable moments at the Melbourne Cup Carnival, he is adamant that the allure of making history extends beyond mere numbers.
This passion is evident in his admiration for the classic races, particularly the Penfolds Victoria Derby and the Crown Oaks.
“I would love to win a Derby and Oaks again, they are my favourite two races,” he said. “I’ve just got a huge soft spot for the VRC Derby and VRC Oaks and the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup.”
“I love tradition,” he told Brad Waters. “I'm actually a huge fan of it and very passionate about it.”