McDonald rides 5 winners at Warwick Farm

An outside stable has played its role in Godolphin jockey James McDonald having one of his best days in the saddle on an Australian racetrack.

McDonald won the first four races for John O’Shea at Warwick Farm on Wednesday in Godolphin’s famous blue silks.

But it was young trainer Michael Costa who helped keep the streak going.

Having his first ride for Costa, McDonald saluted on Viaductress in the McGrath Estate Agents Handicap.

Viaductress’ win also gave Costa the second leg of a two-state double after Va Va Veni scored with authority at Doomben.

It is the second time McDonald has ridden five winners since arriving in Sydney with a reputation as one of the superstars of New Zealand racing.

He teamed with Godolphin for a five-timer on Epsom Handicap day in October with his haul including the Group One Metropolitan on Magic Hurricane.

“Normally the case is you have a good book of rides and it goes the other way,” McDonald said.

“But I did have a good book of rides today and they have all performed up to expectations.”

Costa is a trainer on the move.

Based out of Warwick Farm, he has recently expanded his operation to create a satellite stable on the Gold Coast.

“Placement is the key to getting winners and getting top jockeys also helps,” he said.

McDonald’s winners for Godolphin were on two-year-old Radcliffe, three-year-old filly Montignac, Duca Valentinois and the heavily backed Reincarnate.

His haul ensured he extended his Sydney jockeys’ premiership lead over Hugh Bowman to 26-1/2 wins.

McDonald ‘s run is tipped to continue at Randwick on Saturday where his mounts include early favourites Old North, Pearls and Havana Cooler.

He also rides Obscura in the Group One Champagne Stakes and Kermadec in the Group One All Aged Stakes.