This was published 1 year ago

'It's a real shame': Champion jockey James McDonald hurting over 'unfortunate' Melbourne Cup decision

November 3, 2024 - 2.54am

Arguably the best jockey in Australia will be without a ride in the Lexus Melbourne Cup, but James McDonald is trying to look at the positives.

The 32-year-old starred on Victoria Derby Day, taking out three races at Flemington to kick off the carnival in style.

McDonald was on board Switzerland in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, before driving Atishu home in a thrilling finish to the Empire Rose Stakes.

However, despite recently surpassing the 100-win milestone at Group 1 level, McDonald won't feature in the race that stops the nation on Tuesday afternoon.

McDonald was hoping to ride Cox Plate winner Via Sistina, but after the decision was made by connections to turn her attention to the Champions Stakes, it left the popular hoop with nowhere to go for the Cup due to weight restrictions.

Via Sistina wins the Cox Plate by eight lengths. Getty

"It's a real shame not to have Via there," he told Nine's Wide World of Sports show on Sunday.

"She was so impressive in the Cox Plate last week, she was phenomenal. I really thought she would have been such a hard horse to beat in this year's Melbourne Cup if she did line up, but unfortunately they didn't go that way.

"They are gonna run her on Saturday and that's something to look forward to."

Watch the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival on Nine and 9Now!

McDonald has tasted Cup success in the past, sitting atop champion mare Verry Elleegant in the 2021 edition of the race as she romped home to win.

The jockey explained how the moment changed his life and career forever.

"It was a phenomenal day and if I could relive that or bottle that up, I would," he said.

"That's why it's so disappointing to not be part of it this year. It's a race that really puts you on the map as a jockey and it opens a lot of doors for future rides as well.

James McDonald celebrates the 2021 Melbourne Cup victory. Getty

"I do a lot of riding overseas now and that's probably when the momentum started. I could probably thank Verry Elleegant for that, it opened so many doors for me.

"If you have tasted victory in the Melbourne Cup, you seem to be the man they gravitate to. Obviously this year due to weight I don't have a ride, but that's not to say next year might not be a bit different."

McDonald will remain in Melbourne for the remainder of the carnival and has booked himself for eight rides on Cup day, giving punters plenty of runners to cheer home.

And they won't have to wait long, with McDonald spruiking Bacash in the opener.

"I've got some strong rides to be fair and they're all in with a winning chance," he said.

"If I can nail one down, I don't mind the two-year-old in the first race of the day.

"He's had experience and he's up against a lot of first-starters so that counts for a lot. He will be fit and he will be cherry ripe … I'm sure he will run terrific."