A note with four motivational sayings accompanies James McDonald to the races each working day.
‘See it. Feel it. Win it. Enjoy it.’
He embodied them perfectly on Saturday, becoming Australia’s all-time leading Group 1 jockey when Autumn Boy secured his 130th Grade 1 prize in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
The ride also delivered McDonald’s 100th domestic Group 1, and partnering with Chris Waller, they toppled the 54 Group 1s record long held by Tommy Smith alongside George Moore.
McDonald tuned out social media that week to prepare mentally for the breakthrough, aided by an encouraging SMS from ex-All Blacks coach Sir Stephen Hansen on Golden Slipper Day morning.
“He said, ‘Walk straight into it. Grab it with both hands and walk straight into it'”, McDonald said.
“I was thinking to myself, imagine him sitting down with the All Blacks, a fifteen squad of men, our greatest sport in New Zealand, and he’s saying, ‘Walk into it. Embrace it’.
“I thought that was quite special.”
Remarkable in McDonald’s success at age 34 is that it coincides with when many peers reach their zenith.
The humble New Zealander, however, points to invaluable help and exceptional equine talent as the drivers.
“It’s lovely, but it’s a testament to the horses that I ride because they are phenomenal,” he said.
“There’s no two ways about it, that I do ride the best horses and most favourites each race and I’m blessed to have that opportunity.”
Heightening the moment was passing his childhood role model Damien Oliver’s benchmark.
“To get to a mark like this, it’s obviously special. Especially with how I look up to Damien Oliver,” he said.
“When I was growing up as a ten-year-old kid, he was riding Melbourne Cup winners. One that comes to mind is Media Puzzle when he went through so much adversity and still had the vivacity to come out on top.”
Autumn Boy ($2.45 fav) was brilliant in victory by two lengths against Green Spaces ($21) in the Guineas, but McDonald’s record overshadowed it.
Trainer Waller was tentative regarding the ATC Australian Derby (2400m), waiting on outcomes from the rest of Golden Slipper Day.
His command of 2000m, though, sets up Cox Plate possibilities next season.
“We’ve ticked the box for 2000 metres. His dad (The Autumn Sun) won it. He’s won it. I’ll pick out some nice races in the spring,” Waller said.
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