As the countdown begins for Royal Ascot, the excitement builds around the prospect of champion jockey James McDonald taking the reins of some promising contenders, just over a week from the opening day.
Paul Clarke, McDonald’s European jockey manager, confirmed that the renowned jockey will be riding for Lloyd Williams and Joseph O’Brien on the inaugural day of the highly-anticipated race meeting.
While McDonald’s full book of rides has yet to be confirmed, a number of bookings are already set in stone. On day one, he will be riding Coolangatta in the King’s Stand Stakes, trained by Ciaron Maher. McDonald will also participate in the Copper Horse Stakes and Ascot Stakes aboard Point King and Newfoundland respectively, both trained by the duo of Joseph O’Brien and Lloyd Williams.
Day two will see McDonald aboard Ralph Beckett’s Bateman’s Bay for the Queen’s Vase. Further details are awaited on his ride for Joseph O’Brien in the Kensington Palace Stakes.
Day three will find McDonald partnering with trainer Charlie Hills for the Hampton Court Stakes and Britannia Stakes, though the specifics of which horses he will ride are yet to be revealed.
While no rides are confirmed for the fourth day, McDonald’s schedule for the closing day of the event is packed. The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Stakes will see him in the saddle of Team Freedman’s Artorius. He is also booked to ride Naxos in the Golden Gate Stakes, trained by George Boughey. Ardakan, trained by Marco Botti, is his mount for the Hardwicke Stakes. McDonald will conclude the day riding Warnie in the Chesham Stakes for Joseph O’Brien.
There’s no doubt that all eyes will be on James McDonald as he heads into Royal Ascot with a strong book of rides.
