Read the complete write-up of James McDonald jockey net worth, age, height, family, parents, partner, girlfriend, jockey records as well as other information you need to know.
Introduction
James McDonald is a New Zealand thoroughbred racing jockey. In December 2020, it was announced he would be inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in May 2021. On 2 November 2021, McDonald rode the winning horse Verry Elleegant in the 2021 Melbourne Cup.
Early life
| Name | James McDonald |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
| Profession | Racing Jockey |
| Height | 1.83m |
| Age | 30 years |
James McDonald was born on January 6, 1992 (age 30 years) in Ōhaupō, New Zealand. his mother is Diane McDonald and his father is Brett McDonald. He has a younger brother Luke McDonald. As a young boy James didn’t dream of being a jockey – he wanted to play for the All Blacks or be a dairy farmer.
He was in primary school when he and his brother, Luke, tagged along with their father Brett, a racehorse trainer, to the yearling sales. That day played a part in changing the destiny of the 2021 Melbourne Cup-winning jockey.
James on his journey
“I remember we approached Mr O’Sullivan – New Zealand’s former top jockey for many years Lance O’Sullivan – and James asked him how he got his dairy farms,” Luke said.
“He told us that he was a jockey and James said to me later, ‘If that’s what it takes to get a dairy farm, that’s what I’m going to do’.”
From there, the diminutive McDonald wanted to be jockey started, spending more time in his father’s stables. As a 13-year-old, he met his idol.
Check Out: Hugh Bowman net worth
Brett Prebble was in town and he visited Brett McDonald’s stables, had his photo taken with James, and gave him one of his whips.
“It becomes more amazing by the day the way it all played out,” James said.
“I just came up to his elbow and now I tower over him.
“You wouldn’t believe that seven years after the photo, Brett beats me in the Melbourne Cup aboard Green Moon and nine years later the roles reverse and it’s my turn to beat Brett.”
Group 1 winners (57)
James McDonald has currently ridden 57 Group One winners:
AJC Derby – It’s A Dundeel (2013)
Auckland Cup – Shez Sinsational (2012)
Australian Oaks – Rising Romance (2014); Verry Elleegant (2019)
Canterbury Stakes – Cosmic Endeavour (2015); Holler (2016)
Caulfield Guineas – Shooting To Win (2014); The Autumn Sun (2018)
Champagne Stakes – Captivant (2021)
Champions Mile – Xtension (2012)
Chipping Norton Stakes – Contributor (2015); Verry Elleegant (2021)
Coolmore Stud Stakes – Home Affairs (2021)
Darley Sprint Classic – Delectation (2015); Nature Strip (2019)
Doomben Cup – Zaaki (2021)
Empire Rose Stakes – Shillelagh (2018)
Epsom Handicap – Hauraki (2016)
Flight Stakes – Funstar (2019)
George Main Stakes – Verry Elleegant (2021)
George Ryder Stakes – Real Impact (2015)
Golden Rose Stakes – Exosphere (2015); Astern (2016)
Golden Slipper Stakes – Mossfun (2014)
Haunui Farm WFA Classic – Keep The Peace (2011)
Melbourne Cup – Verry Elleegant (2021)
Moir Stakes – Nature Strip (2019)
Mudgway Stakes – Keep The Peace (2010)
New Zealand Derby – Silent Achiever (2012)
New Zealand International Stakes – Shez Sinsational (2012)
New Zealand Oaks – Jungle Rocket (2009)
New Zealand Stakes – Scarlett Lady (2012)
New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes – Special Mission (2008)
Queen Elizabeth Stakes – It’s A Dundeel (2014)
Queensland Derby – Kukeracha (2021)
Queensland Oaks – Scarlett Lady (2011)
Randwick Guineas – It’s A Dundeel (2013)
Ranvet Stakes – Contributor (2015); Verry Elleegant (2021)
Rosehill Guineas – It’s A Dundeel (2013)
Sires’ Produce Stakes – Anamoe (2021)
Spring Champion Stakes – It’s A Dundeel (2013)
Tancred Stakes – Hartnell (2015); Avilius (2019); Verry Elleegant (2020)
Telegraph Handicap – Guiseppina (2012)
The Galaxy – Temple Of Boom (2012); Nature Strip (2019)
The Metropolitan – Magic Hurricane (2015)
TJ Smith Stakes – Nature Strip (2020); Nature Strip (2021)
Turnbull Stakes – Hartnell (2016)
Underwood Stakes – It’s A Dundeel (2014)
Vinery Stud Stakes – Verry Elleegant (2019)
Winx Stakes – Verry Elleegant (2020)
Zabeel Classic – Shez Sinsational (2011); True Enough (2019)
Check Out: Damien Oliver net worth
Wife
James McDonald is currently dating Katie Mallyon, they have been together a couple of years. His wife to be Katie is also a jockey fan. She has been spotted many times supporting his boyfriend. During the Melbourne Cup 2021, James partner Katie has been very supportive of him leading to the winning of the ultimate trophy.
James McDonald jockey net worth
How much is James McDonald worth? James McDonald net worth is estimated at around $2 million. His main source of income is from his career as a racing jockey. McDonald successful career has earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy cars. He is one of the young influential jockeys in Australia.