James McDonald visits Tom Prebble after Cox Plate win

James McDonald showed once again the close-knit nature of Australia’s jockey fraternity when, just hours after claiming his fourth consecutive Cox Plate, he and wife Katey put celebrations on hold to visit injured rider Tom Prebble in hospital.

The selfless gesture, made on Saturday night following McDonald’s latest triumph aboard Via Sistina, has drawn widespread praise from within the racing community.

“Jockeys always rally around their own and there have been plenty that have been in to visit Tom, but I just thought it was a lovely thing for James and Katey to do,” said Victorian Jockeys’ Association chief executive Matt Hyland on Sunday morning.

“It was absolutely fantastic. They rang (father) Brett, then texted Tom and said, ‘we are coming in’. No doubt it was a surprise, but it just shows what a great couple they are, particularly after such a big day.”

Tom Prebble, 23, the former champion apprentice, suffered serious injuries in a race fall six weeks ago and continues his recovery surrounded by strong industry support. McDonald’s visit was yet another reminder of the deep bonds shared among jockeys — rivals on the track, but unwavering in solidarity off it.