James McDonald: the newest member of the 100 club

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.”

Of course, McDonald is no stranger to this success at Flemington, taking out the Derby/Oaks double in 2023. McDonald won the Group 1 Penfolds Victoria Derby (2500m) aboard Riff Rocket on the opening day of the four-day Carnival and returned on Thursday to score aboard Zardozi for James Cummings in the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) for the three-year-old fillies.

Sent off the $2.70 favourite, Zardozi scored a 2-¼ length win from Aethelflaed ($6) with Basilinna ($7.50) a further 4-¼ lengths away third.

“I’ve never won a VRC Oaks and it’s a test of training ability, horse power and obviously you've got to execute pretty well because they're still immature,” he said after the win.

McDonald’s milestone 100th Group 1 win has placed him amongst the most accomplished jockeys in the history of the sport in Australia, with only four other jockeys having completed the feat.

1. Damien Oliver: Holding the current record with an astounding 129 Group 1 wins, Oliver’s illustrious career boasts triumphs in three Melbourne Cups, seven VRC Oaks, six VRC Derbies, four Caulfield Cups, two Cox Plates, and a Golden Slipper, securing his place as one of the few jockeys to have achieved the ‘grand slam’ of Australian racing.
   
   
2. George Moore: Revered as Australia’s greatest-ever jockey, Moore retired with 126 Group 1 wins. His dominance wasn’t confined to Australia, with victories also in prestigious international races like the English Derby, the 2000 Guineas, and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. He will forever be linked to the legendary racehorse Tulloch, guiding him to victory in an impressive 19 of his 36 races.
   
   
3. Hugh Bowman: As the only active jockey in the ‘century club’, Bowman has amassed 106 Group 1 wins. He’s most well-known for his partnership with the champion mare Winx, steering her to an astonishing 33 consecutive victories, including a record-breaking four Cox Plate wins. Bowman’s poise and skill under pressure have earned him widespread admiration and respect.
   
   
4. Jim Cassidy: Affectionately known as ‘The Pumper’, Cassidy retired with 104 Group 1 wins. His forte was staying races, notably winning two Melbourne Cups aboard Kiwi and Might And Power. Cassidy’s strength and unwavering determination made him a formidable competitor.