'I've only just started': James McDonald lifts Sunshine In Paris to victory in thrilling Darley Champions Sprint
Updated . First published at
Sunshine In Paris has taken out the Darley Champions Sprint against a star-studded field, giving jockey James McDonald his ninth winner of the week.
In one of the most stacked races of the carnival, the Annabel Neasham-trained runner hit the line first down the Flemington straight to win a share in $3 million.
Speaking post-race, McDonald admitted he thought his chance at securing the win had gone, before finally getting the mare going in the dying stages.
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Sunshine In Paris hit the line first in the Champions Sprint. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
"I'm so thrilled for Annabel and John, the owners. She is a beautiful mare. Geez, she gave me a good ride," he said on Nine.
"At the 300 I elected not to go. I was cursing myself I was saying 'You dumb bugger'.
"I've only just started, baby."
Watch the 2024 TAB Champions Stakes Day LIVE on Nine and 9Now.
Right To Party finished second behind the winner, with this year's Everest winner Bella Nipotina clinching third place by a head.
The highly-fancied Overpass and Giga Kick failed to factor into the finish, with Stretan Angel nabbing fourth and was just half a length behind the winner.
McDonald will saddle up in the other Group 1 races on Saturday afternoon, including his ride on Cox Plate winner Via Sistina in the feature race.
