The equestrian world is rejoiced after witnessing stupendous performances at the 2023 Champion Stakes. One of the catchy performances that ended up with a terrific win was of the jockey James McDonald, who has a net worth of $211,864,594. He is a New Zealand thoroughbred racing jockey and a member of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. He also holds the title of World Jockey of the Year for 2021 in the TRC Global Rankings.
The Championship Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. Participating in this race with a 6-year-old brown mare from New Zealand who is trained by Chris Waller. McDonald, after nabbing this win, shared a heartfelt note that left the community in awe.
James McDonald turns pleasure into triumph?
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The Championship Stake 2023 is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile 1 furlong and 212 yards and it was established in 1877. This was originally held at Newmarket. This year, Champion jockey James McDonald won on Atishu with a massive run to attain the Champions Mile, which was the final Group 1 race of the Flemington Carnival. After winning the race, McDonald said, “It’s a pleasure to be riding here.”?With the great performance he portrayed on the field, it was clear that he deserved this win.
"It's a pleasure to be riding here."@mcacajamez is on top of the world as he wins his 84th Group 1 race on ATISHU.
📽 @10SportAU |#StakesDay pic.twitter.com/9aQvc039aY
— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 11, 2023
McDonald cruised to the win after taking the lead from all the runners, who were at the lead straight from the back. Behind him was Damien Oliver saddled upon Duais who was riding in his last Spring Carnival. In the third position was Young Werther.
James McDonald previous wins this year?
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Before attaining an extraordinary win at the 2023 Championship Stakes, jockey James McDonald has attained multiple other wins as well. He nabbed another Melbourne Cup week win saddled upon Zardozi in the VRC oaks. This easy win at Flemington was absolutely loved by the equestrian community because of McDonald’s smooth skills.
The equine Zardozi with stupendous talents scored a two-and-a-quarter length win leaving Aethelflaed in the second position. Behind this in the third position was Basilinna who was four lengths behind. After winning, McDonalds expressed, “Derbies and Oaks, there’s something special about them.”?
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He further added, “I’ve never won a VRC oaks and it’s a test ability, horse power and obviously you’ve got to execute pretty well because they’re immature still.” With this, he also won the Group 1 Victoria Derby riding Riff Rocket on the opening day of the four-day carnival.
Watch this story: The history of equestrian sports that shaped at Olympics over a period of more than 100 years