McDonald set for Morphettville mission
The world’s best jockey, James McDonald, will be heading back to Morphettville for the opening day of the 2026 Sportsbet Adelaide Racing Carnival.
A three-time World Jockey of the Year winner (2022, 2024, 2025), McDonald has basically done it all in racing, currently with 135 Group One victories, including 105 in Australia, but he has not yet tasted success in South Australia.
McDonald, the youngest jockey to reach 100 Group One wins, last month became the most successful Group One jockey in Australian history, surpassing the long-standing record of his childhood idol, Damien Oliver.
READ MORE
- MATING CALL FIRES INTO OAKS CONTENTION
- CARNIVAL COUNTDOWN WITH GROUP ONE SPOTS ON OFFER
- TERRY’S TIPS – APRIL 11
- OAKS CHANCE FOR SIZZLING STUNG
- MORE THAN HOPE REPAYS REARDON’S FAITH
An eight-time Sydney jockey premiership-winner, McDonald is best known for his record-breaking partnership with trainer Chris Waller and has ridden the past four Cox Plate winners.
The 34-year-old is set to ride two chances for the Waller stable on the opening day of the 2026 Sportsbet Adelaide Racing Carnival; he will be onboard Panova in the Sportsbet Australasian Oaks (2000m) and Generosity in the Sportsbet Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m).
McDonald rode Panova earlier in the Autumn when the filly finished out of the placings in the Surround Stakes (1400m), while he has also been aboard Generosity in both starts this preparation
This will be McDonald’s second visit to Morphettville, having previously rode during the 2024 Carnival and he will be looking to add to his Group One winning tally on Saturday, April 25.
