James McDonald booked to ride International in Melbourne Cup

Champion jockey James McDonald has confirmed his ride for this year’s Melbourne Cup, with the superstar hoop set to partner Meydaan in the famous Flemington two-mile feature.

The news was first reported by racing broadcaster Gareth Hall on X, confirming that McDonald has been booked for the prized ride in “the race that stops a nation.”

Meydaan, who finished ninth in the Caulfield Cup after enduring a tough run three-wide from barrier five under Andrea Atzeni, will now be looking to improve over the longer 3200-metre trip on the first Tuesday in November.

The Melbourne Cup booking adds to what is shaping as a huge Spring Carnival for McDonald, who will also partner Cox Plate favourite Via Sistina in Saturday’s weight-for-age championship at Moonee Valley.

McDonald, already one of Australia’s most decorated jockeys, will be looking to add another major to his glittering record, having previously won the Melbourne Cup aboard Verry Elleegant in 2021.

With Meydaan confirmed as his mount, McDonald’s Cup preparations are now locked in as he chases another slice of racing history at Flemington.