James McDonald’s unforgettable eleven

“When the stars align, they really align, because I always thought we could get close to it, but I never thought we could get 11,” McDonald said. 

He went into Derby Day confident with a strong book of rides. “Switzerland was an absolute ripper, you almost jump a length in front of the field on him.”

Across the week, McDonald combined patience and his incredible skill to create history. His Group 1 victories on Sunshine In Paris in the Champions Sprint (“That was a nerve-wracking ride”) and Via Sistina in the Champions Stakes (“There were a lot of people there to watch her. It’s a good feeling to have.”) stood out.

His four victories on TAB Champions Stakes Day brought the crowd to life, particularly in the final race as he was shooting for number 11.

“The last race of the last day of the Carnival, it was just something out of a movie script, really,” he said. “It was a pinch-me moment.” 

And, even after rewriting the record books, he remained modest: “I would have left one or two out there, so thirteen might’ve been an even better number.”