In his formative years, James McDonald, a native of rural Cambridge, in the Waikato region of New Zealand, demonstrated an innate passion for equine pursuits, influenced by his father, Brett McDonald, a former renowned jockey and trainer. Inspired by accomplished Kiwi rider Lance O'Sullivan, James dedicated himself to mastering the art of horsemanship, working diligently in the stables and setting his sights on becoming an exceptional jockey. His journey began with his first triumphant ride in 2007, guiding Johnnie the Sand to victory at Te Rapa. Subsequently, he established himself as a formidable force in New Zealand racing, earning the title of champion apprentice followed by a New Zealand premiership record of 207 wins in just his fourth season of riding (2010/11). Success breeds success and McDonald's achievements in such a short period did not go unnoticed. Doors to opportunities with some of the most influential figures in the bloodstock world started opening, venturing across the Tasman to establish his presence in Sydney.

Through his collaboration with Chris Waller, a fellow expatriate and esteemed trainer from New Zealand, JMac secured notable riding opportunities with Godolphin, a prominent stable renowned for its exceptional pedigree racehorses. Aged 22, and with 1000 wins already secured, he won his first Sydney Metropolitan title in 2013/14, headlined by wins in the Gr.1 Golden Slipper on Mossfun, Gr.1 QEII Stakes on Dundeel, Gr.1 Australian Oaks on Rising Romance and Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas on Shooting To Win.

His riding style is characterized by a calm demeanor, enabling him to position a horse optimally and exhibit precise timing in executing his runs to the finish line. It is a skill few master at the elite level. Regrettably, his career encountered a temporary setback in 2016 due to an error in judgment. He demonstrated resilience by bouncing back from an 18-month disqualification from racing, which resulted from profiting from a bet placed by another individual on his ride Astern, an incident that deeply affected him. His unwavering goal was to showcase his true potential, emerge stronger, and strive for the most prestigious victory in racing. In 2018, he made a determined return with an unwavering resolve to prove his doubters wrong. This culminated in his triumphant 2021 Melbourne Cup victory aboard the Waller-trained stayer, Verry Elleegant, which undoubtedly served as a moment of redemption. Throughout his career, James has had the privilege of riding some of the most exceptional horses to have ever raced in Australia. Among these champions are Nature Strip, Anamoe, It's A Dundeel, Home Affairs, Zaaki, Astern, Contributor, Shez Sinsational, and numerous others outstanding horses.

In the recent spring racing season, jockey JMac achieved remarkable success. He secured notable Gr.1 victories aboard Riff Rocket in the VRC Derby, Zardozi in the VRC Oaks, and most notably, guided the Hong Kong champion miler Romantic Warrior to a thrilling win in the prestigious Cox Plate. In early 2024, JMac returned to New Zealand for the prestigious Karaka Millions at Ellerslie and won both the 2YO and 3YO Gr.1 features on Velocious and Orchestral. The victories cemented a Karaka Millions double for McDonald, adding to his Karaka Millions 3YO Classic victory aboard Long Leaf in 2019.

Having previously clinched the Sydney jockeys premiership twice, JMac is poised to conclude his illustrious riding career in Hong Kong, where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent. His recent triumph in the Gr.1 Queens Jubilee Trophy at Sha Tin, where he partnered with Lucky Sweynesse, further solidifies his status as one of the greatest jockeys of our generation.

With an impressive track record of over 11,000 rides and 88 G1 wins, James McDonald has reached the pinnacle of his career. His induction into the NZ Racing Hall of Fame and the accolade of being named the world's best champion jockey in 2022 are testaments to his remarkable achievements. Despite his relatively young age of 31, JMac still possesses several years of high-quality riding ahead of him and at some point deserves to be recognised as Sportsman of the Year at the New Zealand Halberg awards. As a proud New Zealander, it is our fervent hope that we will continue to witness JMac's exceptional riding skills down under for some time to come. His contributions to the sport have been immense, and his presence undoubtedly elevates the level of competition and excitement in the racing industry.