James McDonald lands in Hong Kong this week not just with his suitcase and saddle, but with a sense of unfinished business. The champion jockey, whose talent and temperament have carried him to the top of the world stage, arrives in peak form and in high spirits, ready to take on one of racing’s grandest international stages — the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley.
Fresh from a glittering Melbourne Cup Carnival that saw him steer the brilliant Via Sistina to victory in the Champions Stakes (2000m), McDonald’s momentum feels irresistible. That win capped a remarkable Australian spring, echoing last year’s back-to-back triumphs with the same mare in the W.S. Cox Plate and Champions Stakes.
Now, the 33-year-old returns to familiar ground in Hong Kong, China, where he has tasted success before and forged enduring connections. His eyes, however, are set on a fresh prize — the IJC crown on December 10 and a historic fourth consecutive LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) aboard Romantic Warrior just four days later at Sha Tin.
McDonald’s Hong Kong Mission: From Challenge to Legacy
A regular visitor to Hong Kong, McDonald relishes the challenge that the IJC brings. Competing against the world’s elite — including Ryan Moore, William Buick, Mickael Barzalona, Joao Moreira, Christophe Lemaire, Umberto Rispoli, Rachel King, and Hollie Doyle — he knows the competition will be fierce.
Representing his native New Zealand, McDonald takes pride in standing among the sport’s best, alongside Hong Kong’s own stars led by Zac Purton. Yet, his motivation is personal as much as professional.
“It’s very good for my riding because there are such good riders there,” McDonald said. “It’s always a highlight — a great challenge, and I really enjoy my time in Hong Kong. Not only is there great racing, but I’ve also got the legend of Romantic (Warrior) waiting, so I just can’t wait.”
McDonald’s previous IJC record speaks volumes — a third in 2014 and runner-up finishes in 2011, 2021, and 2024. Few jockeys have come so close, so often. This year, with experience and momentum on his side, he’s hoping the stars align.
Romantic Warrior and the Dream of Four
Romantic Warrior’s pursuit of a record-breaking fourth Hong Kong Cup dominates McDonald’s December ambitions. Having undergone fetlock surgery in May, the superstar’s recent 1600m trial under Hugh Bowman impressed all observers — McDonald included.
“Better than okay, I would have thought,” McDonald smiled. “He’s flying. Danny (Shum) has done a fantastic job, and Hugh said he felt terrific. I can’t wait.”
Few horses in the modern era attempt four consecutive wins at such an elite level, but McDonald believes the gelding’s class defies convention. “It’s just incredible how good he is. Four in a row would be lovely,” he said.
A Streak of Success
McDonald’s connection with Romantic Warrior is only part of his incredible run. His Cox Plate triumph aboard Via Sistina was his fourth in the famous weight-for-age race — matching the great Hugh Bowman’s tally. “It was surreal,” McDonald said. “The only thing that could top it now would be a fourth Hong Kong Cup.”
That might not be far-fetched. McDonald already boasts an outstanding record in Hong Kong this year, having guided Voyage Bubble to victory in all three legs of the local Triple Crown — the Stewards’ Cup (1600m), the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), and the Champions & Chater Cup (2400m).
As he eyes his latest challenge, McDonald’s tally of 122 Group 1 wins brings him within touching distance of Damien Oliver’s Australian record of 129. A successful stint in Hong Kong could edge him even closer — and cement his place among racing’s immortals.
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