The racing world has gotten smaller in the past couple of years for the best jockeys, who fly in and out for the biggest meetings of the year.
James McDonald, Damian Lane and Blake Shinn are in demand as much as good horses for their ability to make the difference in the saddle. It’s why they will make the trip from Adelaide to Hong Kong on Saturday night.
James McDonald will get back on Romatic Warrior in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Sunday.Credit: Racing Photos / Getty Images
The trio will chase group 1 victory in the Robert Sangster Classic and Australasian Oaks at Morphettville on Saturday before heading to Hong Kong for Champions Day, which will be the focus of the world racing on Sunday.
The overnight flight is part of the job and plays a key role in their preparation for Sha Tin.
“We all get on, but there is no talking on the plane – it’s time to sleep,” McDonald said. “It’s the most important part of the trip. You are tired after the races, so you just put your head down and sleep. You need to get that part of the trip to be at your best.
“It’s a long weekend but I have good group 1 rides in Roots and Concello [in the Sangster and the Oaks].
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on Romantic Warrior in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Sunday. He is a horse right up with Anamoe with what he has done winning the Cox Plate and Hong Kong International Cup, and every time you get on him it’s exciting.”
There will be a great collection of Australian jockeys on Champions Day. Zac Purton, Hugh Bowman and Brenton Avdulla all call Hong Kong home, and they are often coming in the opposite direction during our carnivals.
Romantic Warrior holds the title of Hong Kong’s best, but Purton is hoping Hong Kong Derby winner Massive Sovereign can make it three from three in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup.
