The world’s number one jockey James McDonald is eager to enjoy yet more Royal Ascot success at “one of the greatest week’s in racing”.
The Australian-based New Zealand native celebrated Group 1 glory 12 months ago when he steered champion sprinter Nature Strip to King’s Stand Stakes success.
McDonald, 31, expects to have up to a dozen mounts during the five-day royal extravaganza with his best chances on the Australian sprinters, Coolangatta in the King’s Stand, and Artorius in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
“Royal Ascot is one of the greatest weeks in racing,” he said. “I circle it every year and if I am lucky enough to come here, I am on the plane straight away.
“I love being here and the whole atmosphere. It’s one of the best carnivals in the world.”
McDonald, who was ridden four Royal Ascot winners, worked in Britain when employed by Godolphin until returning to Sydney where he has embellished his reputation and taken his Group 1 score to 72 wins.
He partnered Coolangatta, a first runner for the powerful stable of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, in a gallop at Ascot on Friday in which she finished clear of her work companion.
On her last start in February, the filly won the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes up the straight at Flemington.
“It’s given me a lot of confidence,” the jockey said of the workout. “She has shown her wares with a nice piece of work this morning.
“The Lightning is arguably one of the fastest races in Australia and the quality of field she beat that day was simply sensational.Any of those sprinters could travel anywhere around the world and be competitive.”
Artorius finished third in last year’s Jubilee, three quarters of a length behind Naval Crown after not enjoying a clear run. He won a Group 1 in Sydney in March.
“Artorius is going better than he was going last year so that’s a really good sign,” McDonald said. “He has had a light campaign throughout the year.
“He has been fourth, beaten half a length behind Anamoe over seven and a half furlongs, which shows his stamina and won a Group 1 beating me that day and I was on a very good horse.
“He flew out of the clouds. I think his gate speed has improved a bit. He is a star galloper and I would love him to come here and make amends for last year. He needs luck for sure.
“I would love these two Australians to run extremely well and I am pretty confident they will.”
