James McDonald talks Melbourne Cup Carnival

“Derby Day, it’s the big day, the vibrant day,” he continues. “Then you sail into a Melbourne Cup — everyone idolises the Cup, and it’s something so special. Into an Oaks, into a Champions Day — it’s just got it all.”

For McDonald, even away from the mounting yard, the week takes on a life of its own. “Even for a little jockey, I suppose we get stopped in the streets during that week because of the racing,” he smiles. “It’s on a different scale to anywhere else. It really is one of the great weeks of world racing.”

It’s a pretty special week,” says James McDonald, reflecting on what the Melbourne Cup Carnival means to him.

“It’s a carnival that everyone identifies as one of the great carnivals of our country — and it’s such a special week.”

From the atmosphere to the energy trackside, McDonald says Flemington comes alive in a way that’s hard to match.

“The brightness, the vibrance — it’s an incredible place to be a part of, and the racing is spectacular.”