James McDonald celebrated his feat of becoming the first jockey to ride 200 winners in a New Zealand season by doing what he does best – riding more winners.
The 19-year-old star of the New Zealand turf brought up the 200 milestone on two-year-old filly Showing Off at Te Teko in eastern Bay of Plenty on Wednesday.
McDonald then chalked up wins 201, 202 and 203 in the last three races of the day.
With an international career looming he is going to set quite a target for those trying to make their mark in future seasons, as this one has still a month to run.
“That’s bloody great,” McDonald said as he unsaddled Showing Off, who led throughout the humble $NZ5000 1200m maiden race on a heavy track.
“It’s probably a relief more than anything. It’s been a long time coming, it’s a lot of hard work and finally today at Te Teko we got it.”
McDonald set a national record for the number of wins in a season on June 10 when he kicked home winner number 198 at Pukekohe, eclipsing the mark set by Lisa Cropp in the 2004-05 season.
He scored his first Australian Group One win aboard Scarlett Lady in the Queensland Oaks at Brisbane’s Eagle Farm on June 4.
Like Scarlett Lady, Showing Off was sired by Savabeel and is trained by Danica Guy at Matamata.
McDonald then celebrated with a treble, on Star Of Reims, Delta Lad and Hawick Park, in the last three races of the day.
He will clearly claim his second premiership title at the end of July, with his closest rival Lisa Allpress currently 66 wins away from him. He will also win the apprentice title for the fourth straight year.
Plenty of overseas trainers are keen to secure his services in the new season after witnessing his deeds in Brisbane, but McDonald has not committed to any offers yet.
He said there was a lot of teamwork involved in his success.
“I am thankful for everyone who has helped me.”
NZPA WGT AAP TURF
