JAMES MCDONALD SET FOR RETURN

James Mcdonald set to return to the saddle

Sydney hoop James McDonald is set to return to racing on Wednesday with a number of rides at Kensingtons metro meeting in the harbour city’s east.

Mcdonald has had over a month away from the sport having not competed since June 11th at Eagle Farm during Brisbane’s Winter Racing Carnival. 

During that time McDonald rode the world’s best sprinter in Nature Strip to victory in the Group One Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot before vacationing overseas before arriving back in Sydney to get back in the saddle.

Despite usually using at a weight of 55kgs Mcdonald is set to start his return at 56.5kgs and then work his way back down to the lighter weight in the coming weeks to prepare for the upcoming Spring Carnival.

“I hate the pre-season,” McDonald said. “The workouts at the gym have their obvious benefits but I wouldn’t say I get excited about going when I jump in the car.

“I’ve been pretty sore the past couple of days.

With only two weeks remaining of the current racing season, Mcdonald has an unassailable lead in the jockeys premiership and has four good chances on Wednesday for trainer Chris Waller and the team of Waterhouse and Bott.

“I can’t wait to get stuck back into it,” McDonald said.

“I was away for a month, and I had a great time but I’m ready to get back to work.

“I can only sit around for so long and I’d had enough after a few weeks.

“I’m actually looking really forward to getting back into it on Wednesday.

“I saw a couple of the good horses about on Tuesday morning and that always sparks you up on a cold winter’s morning.

“In the next few weeks, I’ll start trialing     them so the spring’s going to be here before you know it.”

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