Jockey James McDonald, retained rider to Godolphin in Australia, has been charged with betting, or having an interest in a bet, on Astern (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) in his winning debut at Randwick last Dec. 5. McDonald has voluntarily stood down from riding pending the outcome of the charge.
Racing NSW stewards said they were acting on intelligence received that McDonald had an association with a known punter, and that punter's betting activities, when they called McDonald for an interview. Licensed jockeys and apprentices in Australia are not permitted to bet, or have an interest in a bet, on races in which they are riding. Stewards indicated they would consider exercising a discretion to suspend McDonald's license due to the risks to the image and integrity of racing, but the rider voluntarily stood down. Stewards advised McDonald they would continue their investigations and reserved their position to issue additional charges if the investigation uncovers any additional breaches to the rules of racing.
Godolphin issued the following statement: “Godolphin acknowledges the Stewards' report that Racing NSW is investigating James McDonald for an infringement of the rules of racing. His decision to step down from riding, pending the outcome of the investigation, is the right one. We will continue to support him throughout this process. Prior to the outcome of this enquiry, and in order not to prejudice the findings, we will make no further comment.”
McDonald, a 24-year-old New Zealand expat, won the Sydney jockeys' premiership in 2014 and, in addition to riding Astern to victory in this season's G1 Golden Rose S. and Godolphin's Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) to win the G1 Turnbull S., he also enjoyed a successful European stint in the summer, his 19 winners including Big Orange (GB) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}) in the G2 Princess of Wales's S.
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