New Zealand whiz kid James McDonald’s announced himself to Sydney racing with a winning double at Randwick on Saturday, tempered by a suspension and a reprimand for his successful rides.
While stewards had a few problems with McDonald’s riding, trainers John O’Shea and Anthony Cummings had nothing but praise.
The O’Shea-trained Kiss `N Chase was the first of McDonald’s winners, taking out the Stacks Goudkamp Handicap (1400m).
Kiss `N Chase was also the horse that earned McDonald his ban after he changed tack to get clear running, causing First Look to be hampered at the 300m mark.
“I think there is a place in Sydney for another top-class rider and James fits that bill,” O’Shea, who was instrumental in enticing McDonald to Randwick for the meeting, said.
“I don’t want to put pressure on him but to have a rider of that quality here opens up the options for trainers.
McDonald’s winning ride on the Cummings-trained Gybe in the Rob Woodruff (1200m) earned him a reprimand for his actions early in the race when he tightened up another runner.
But the trainer was all smiles after the race as the filly racked up her third successive victory.
“James is a very good rider and when we heard he was coming we snapped him up,” Cummings said.
“If he decides to come to Sydney we would like to be part of the support team.”
Gybe’s win had a special significance for McDonald as he rode her half-sister Anabandana to a Group Three win in New Zealand.
“She’s a half-sister to our champion two-year-old filly Anabandana,” McDonald said.
“I won a Group race on her and she went on to win two Group Ones.
“They are a little bit similar.”
McDonald’s grandfather Charlie Holdcroft was on hand as part of the McDonald cheer squad.
A farrier on the Gold Coast, Holdcroft was also a jockey as was McDonald’s father Brett.
“It was great to be here to see James,” Holdcroft said.
McDonald’s suspension starts on July 18, the day after he rides Martial Law in the Singapore Derby.
He will be eligible to return on July 28.
Gybe’s win wasn’t without penalty for Cummings who was fined $100 for leaving the side winkers off the filly.
She arrived in the parade ring without them and when asked by the clerk of the course whether he wanted him to put them on at the barriers Cummings said not to bother at that late stage.
Stewards told Cummings the filly would now be registered as not wearing the winkers and in future he should inform them of any problems.
AAP TURF
