Champion jockey James McDonald is poised to eclipse one of the most respected equestrian records in Australian racing at Flemington on Saturday.
McDonald goes into Derby Day with seven Group 1 wins this spring carnival – and he has leading odds in each of the three main stakes with In Secret (Coolmore Stud Stakes), Sharp ‘N’ Smart (Victoria Derby) and La Crique (Empire Rose Stakes).
In fact, McDonald’s stellar spring is the most successful by a jockey since the late, great George Moore set the record with eight Group 1 winners during the 1957 Spring Carnival.
But ever the perfectionist, McDonald is still reeling from a few mistakes and isn’t about to rest on his laurels.
George Moore and Tulloch won five Group 1s together in the spring of 1957. Photo: Supplied
“My spring carnival so far has been great and touch wood, it continues,” McDonald said.
“I have to thank Anamoe for that, I’ve won four Group 1 races with him, but I was also just a nose away from winning the Metropolitan (Le Don De Vie was second to No Compromise) and the Golden Rose (in secret). was second to Jacquinot) this spring.
“But the horses I’m riding are performing ‘amazingly’ and I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks.
“I’ve got some nice chances in some big races coming up, so if the green scratch goes our way I’m sure we can add to the (Group 1) tally.”
SPRING CARNIVAL OFFER: UNLOCK ALL RACENET EXPERT TIPS AND ANALYSIS FOR $1
Moore’s record-breaking 1957 Spring Carnival was fueled by Tulloch’s big five leaders – the Rosehill Guineas, the AJC Derby, the Caulfield Guineas, the Victoria Derby and the Queensland Derby.
McDonald admits his spring carnival success has been down to the dominance of the James Cummings-trained Anamoe with his unbeaten four-year-old season, including back-to-back Group 1 wins in the Winx Stakes, George Main Stakes, Might And Power Stakes and Cox Plate.
Tulloch won the 1957 Victorian Derby at Flemington.
But there is an ongoing debate over whether Anamoe should be given racing’s ultimate “champion” honor although McDonald said the Godolphin superstar has earned that accolade.
“Anamoe is definitely the champion of Australia at the moment,” McDonald said.
“I know he’s not winning by a wide margin, but he gets the job done. This horse is a line follower, he’s a winner, simple as that.
“He’s won Group 1 races from 1400m to 2000m, he’s the best weight-for-age horse, and although he’s got a fantastic record, there’s more to it to be honest with you.”
McDonald may be right as Anamoe was a relatively late foal and is still three years old from the date of birth – he was born on November 16, 2018 – so the horse still has some physical maturity to come.
Anamoe’s victory in last Saturday’s Cox Plate was his seventh at Group 1 level and his 11th success from 20 starts, taking his career earnings to $9.49 million as he ranked seventh on the all-time list behind Winx with $26.45 million.
Anamoe gave James McDonald his seventh Group 1 this spring in last weekend’s WS Cox Plate. Photo: Getty Images
McDonald believes Anamoe’s ability to claim Group 1 victories in every season he has raced should not be underestimated.
“Longevity is so important and he’s made it from a spring two-year-old to his four-year-old season,” the rider said.
“He’s won Group 1 races every season he’s raced and as good as his record is, it could be even better.
“A bad handicap cost him the Golden Slipper.”
Godolphin is considering an overseas campaign with Anamoe next year and McDonald said he would be willing to go anywhere to ride the horse.
“I’ll definitely put my name in the hat for the ride,” McDonald said.
“They (Godolphin) may have other ideas but if they put it to me I would jump at the chance to ride Anamoe overseas.”
J-MAC FOLLOWS MOORE’S RECORD
■ James McDonald
Group 1 Wins for Spring Carnival 2021 – Seven (and counting)
Winx Stakes – Anamoe
George Main Stakes – Anamoe
Power and Power Stocks – Anamoe
Cox Plate – Anamoe
Caulfield Guineas – Golden Mile
Thousand Guineas – Madame Pommery
■ George Moore
Group 1 wins for the 1957 Spring Carnival – Eight (record)
Rosehill Guineas – Tulloch
AJC – Tulloch derby
Caulfield Guineas – Tulloch
VRC Derby – Tulloch
Queensland Derby – Tulloch
George Main Stakes – Landy
Cantala Stakes – Landy
Cox Plate – Redcraze
