Godolphin changes mind on Aussie jockeys, hires James McDonald
GODOLPHIN jockey James McDonald is back earlier than expected from his European excursion and will ride at the last five meetings in Sydney.
When speaking to the media this week, McDonald said he was pleased with the opportunity to further his career with the racing giant.
“I am delighted to have signed for Godolphin, not only in order to continue our great association in Australia, but also for the opportunity to ride for the stable for a short time in Britain when commitments allow,” McDonald said.
Godolphin said last year that the stable would no longer be a retaining an Australia jockey after its relationship with Kerrin McEvoy, who decided to go to freelance. However, it has decided to change its focus to keep McDonald’s services.
McDonald won his first overseas ride for Godolphin ovenight aboard Vicennalia for trainer Charlie Appleby.
The neck victory ended a drought in Europe for McDonald, who currently leads the Sydney jockeys’ premiership on 88 1/2 winners.
He is currently 5 1/2 victories clear of 2011/2012 champion Hugh Bowman who was hoping McDonald wouldn’t return, much like punters who took the short odds available that Bowman would win.
Bowman has now been pushed out to $2.40 with betting agencies, with McDonald at $2.50 and Blake Shinn, who is currently sitting on 81 1/2 wins, stands as a $3,50 chance.
McDonald will return to Sydney for the July 15th meeting at Warwick Farm and Bowman backers are hoping he can bridge the gap with the five meetings that will take place between now and July 15.
Bowman has a good book of rides this Saturday at Rosehill where Lieder kicks the day off at $4.20, ironically for John O’Shea who trains for Godolphin.
The well bred Cauthen’s Power lines up in Race 3 at $4.40 and it looks a live chance on exposed form. It will have to contend with carrying 59kg, but Bowman will ensure a nice trip in transit.
Bowman scores a premium pick-up ride on the Chris Waller-trained Danchai after Luke Tarrant suffered a careless riding charge this week.
The six-year-old import won the Ipswich Cup last time out and is the current hot favourite at $2.10.
He has three $6 chances to end the day; Good Value, Berrimilla and Coolring in the last at Rosehill.