Champion jockey James McDonald has equalled one of the most enduring riding records in Australian racing with his win on Providence in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Providence gave McDonald his 16th Australian Group 1 of the season to equal “Miracle” Mal Johnston’s all-time record that has stood since 1979-80.
Johnston told Racing And Sports earlier this week that if anyone breaks his riding record he hoped it would be McDonald because “he’s the best jockey I’ve seen!”
All of McDonald’s Group 1 wins this season have been for Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller and the jockey was at his brilliant best on Providence in the Derby.
“Providence ran it out pretty strong but to be fair, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better run,” McDonald said.
“I had a ‘resting’ run the first half and was able to build into it when I wanted.
“He’s run it out pretty strong but to be fair he is probably not a true stayer. He ducked in late because he was getting tired.
“But he is a lovely horse to do anything and has a great attitude.”
The McDonald-Waller jockey-trained partnership the most successful in Australian racing history with Providence their 62nd Group 1 together.”
McDonald revealed he usually leaves it to Waller to decide who he rides in the Group 1 races when the stable has multiple chances.
“Chris has a lot of good horses clashing all the time,” McDonald said.
“You put your trust in the stable and hope we are on the best one. Chris is normally right and looks after us.”
Waller had four in the Queensland Derby and led in the quinella for owners Newgate Farm when Providence ($5) scored by a length from Monopolistic ($6.50) with Inspired Legend ($91)
For Waller, the Derby was his 200th Australian Group 1 win. He also trained Nature Strip to win the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.
“The 201st Group 1 is easier than the first one, that’s for sure,” Waller said.
Waller admitted to ensure he has McDonald on his horses in Group 1 races he has to give the jockey his best stable hopeful.
“To get James, I’ve got to try and give him the best rides,” Waller said.
“So, I’ve got to be accurate in my decisions. He doesn’t care really what he rides, he just obviously respects our decision and that’s why he ended up on the winner.”
Waller said both Providence and Monopolistic are progressive young stayers who will be better again next season.
“We see Queensland each and every winter as a springboard for a lot of our better horses,” he said.
“And these horses are still on the up, so very exciting for connections.”
