James McDonald chasing Karaka Millions success
Champion Sydney jockey James McDonald is gearing up for a homecoming at the Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie on January 27.
After a successful stint in Hong Kong, where he rode 15 winners in five weeks, McDonald is set to ride Roger James and Robert Wellwood’s Orchestral in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO and Stephen Marsh’s Velocious in the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO.
McDonald, who last rode in New Zealand at the 2020 Karaka Millions meeting, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event.
“I haven’t ridden here for three years and everything has changed, the stables look magnificent” said McDonald.
The meeting will feature the inaugural $1 million Elsdon Park Aoteora Classic (1600m) for four-year-olds, in addition to the traditional $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), which now boasts an additional $500,000 prize money for the 2024 edition.
Notably, McDonald’s previous success at the Karaka Millions meeting in 2019, aboard Long Leaf in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic, adds to the anticipation of his return.
Blake Shinn will also be joining the meeting, partnering with the promising filly Molly Bloom in the Karaka Millions 3YO. The jockey lineup promises an exciting day of racing for fans at Ellerslie on January 27.