Superstar jockey James McDonald is no stranger to Hong Kong’s International Jockeys’ Championship, but he’s taken a different approach to the event at Happy Valley this time around.
As opposed to previous years where he’s flown in just for Hong Kong’s biggest week of racing, McDonald is currently based in the city on a five-week contract, which is due to end on New Years’ Day.
The Melbourne Cup winner has quickly made his presence felt since his arrival in Hong Kong, riding three winners across the three meetings that he’s competed at.
“I’m loving it, it’s been so good,” McDonald told Racing.com.
“I arrived a couple of weeks ago with the plan of obviously getting familiar with Happy Valley, see if we can have a good chance in the IJC.
“Everything’s been so much fun, we’ve really enjoyed it, the (Hong Kong Jockey) Club have been so fantastic.
“It’s been a good trip so far.”
Wednesday nights International Jockeys’ Championship brings together twelve of the world’s best riders to compete under lights across four designated races at the tight turning Happy Valley Racecourse in the heart of Hong Kong.
McDonald vividly recalls the first time he was involved in the championship as a teenager in 2011.
“It was obviously my first stint dipping my toe into Hong Kong racing,” he said.
“I think I was runner up to Frankie Dettori then, so hopefully we can go one better this year, I think I’ve got a really good chance.
“It’s always great to compete in it, the atmosphere’s incredible, it’s a great night, very competitive and I’m looking forward to it.”
McDonald said that Gameplayer Elite in the final leg of the championship was his best of his chances across the four races, but also gave a solid push for Flagship Warrior in the third leg.
Formerly known as Harleymoven when he raced in South Australia, Flagship Warrior is in his second season of racing in Hong Kong and is now trained by Caspar Fownes.
“He’s very talented but he just looks like he’s coming back into form,” McDonald said.
“If he puts his best foot forward, he’s definitely a good chance.”
Wednesday night’s International Jockeys’ Championship serves as a lead in towards Sunday’s Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin, where McDonald has mounts in all four group one events, highlighted by Cox Plate winner Romantic Warrior in the Hong Kong Cup and Caulfield Cup runner up West Wind Blows in the Hong Kong Vase.
– racing.com
