James McDonald returns to Sha Tin on Sunday, 14 December, with the chance to add another historic achievement to an already outstanding season, as he partners Romantic Warrior in pursuit of a fourth consecutive victory in the Group 1 HK$40 million Hong Kong Cup (2000m).
McDonald, who also claimed the World’s Best Jockey award in 2022, will partner Romantic Warrior in the feature contest. The achievement would mark an unprecedented sequence in the race, underlining the strength of a partnership that has already delivered success at the highest level.
The 33-year-old was presented with a crystal vase trophy on Friday night, 12 December, by Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities and Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. The presentation took place during the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races Gala Dinner at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. He also received a commemorative watch from Mr Patrick Aoun, President and Chief Executive Officer of LONGINES.
Speaking after the ceremony, McDonald reflected on the significance of winning the award for a third time. He described his first success as a surreal experience and noted the rarity of achieving the honour on multiple occasions, referencing the elite group of riders who have won it four times.
McDonald was quick to play down individual credit, instead pointing to the quality of the horses he partnered during the year. He described Romantic Warrior as the best among them, while also praising Via Sistina and Voyage Bubble for their exceptional achievements.
Across the season, McDonald recorded 12 wins in the world’s Top 100 Group 1 and Grade 1 races. Three of those victories came aboard Voyage Bubble, one on Romantic Warrior, who had been sidelined for several months following fetlock surgery, and six on Via Sistina. He also recorded single wins on Joliestar and Sunshine In Paris.
His tally of 184 points placed him clear at the top of the World’s Best Jockey standings, ahead of Mickael Barzalona with 132 points, William Buick on 114, and Ryan Moore with 102.
The World’s Best Jockey title is determined by performances in the 100 highest-rated Group 1 and Grade 1 races identified annually by the World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee. Points are awarded for first, second, and third placings in qualifying races staged between 1 December of the previous year and 30 November of the current year.
McDonald again credited the horses he rode for the achievement, describing them as champion racehorses. He highlighted Voyage Bubble’s Hong Kong Triple Crown success, Romantic Warrior’s champion status in Hong Kong, and Via Sistina’s championship credentials in Australia, noting how rare it was to partner such horses within a single season.
Currently riding in Hong Kong on a short-term contract, McDonald is set to return to Sydney just before Christmas. He identified Voyage Bubble’s Triple Crown sweep — achieved through victories in the Stewards’ Cup (1600m), Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), and Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) — as the standout performance of the year.
A win aboard Romantic Warrior on Sunday would provide a fitting conclusion to his season. Looking ahead, McDonald also expressed his desire to return for another attempt at the Group 1 Saudi Cup in 2026, aiming to reverse a narrow defeat to Forever Young.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.
