'I look up to him': James McDonald pays tribute to Damien Oliver after historic 130th Group 1 win

As if he hadn't already, James McDonald once again etched his name into Australian racing folklore on Golden Slipper day at Rosehill.

Needing two to surpass Damien Oliver's all-time mark of 129 Group 1 wins, 'J-Mac' not only equalled his hero but surpassed him with a swift one-two punch.

In his third race of the day, the Kiwi equalled Oliver's number when he took Aeliana to victory in the 2000m Ranvet Stakes.

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Then in the very next race, he took the Chris Waller-trained Autumn Boy to victory in the Rosehill Guineas to become statistically Australia's greatest-ever Group 1 jockey.

"It's lovely, but it's a testament to the horses that I ride because they are phenomenal," McDonald said.

"There's no two ways about it. I do ride the best horses and most favourites each race and I'm blessed to have that opportunity.

"To get to a mark like this, it's obviously special. Especially with how I look up to Damien Oliver.

"When I was growing up as a 10-year-old kid, he was riding Melbourne Cup winners.

"One that comes to mind is Media Puzzle when he went through so much adversity and still had the vivacity to come out on top. He's a phenomenal rider.

"I'm just blessed with a great family and great support crew with Mark Guest and good family friends. John O'Shea, who is like a father figure to me.

"He got me over and he gave me so many chances even when I wasn't riding well. Many trainers throughout Australia and New Zealand as well."

The win also moved McDonald and Waller past Hall of Fame trainer Tommy Smith and jockey George Moore's mark of 51 Group 1 victories. It was also McDonald's 100th major in Australia.

McDonald moved further into clear air with a 131st win on Autumn Glow in the 2000m George Ryder Stakes.