James McDonald, the Kiwi jockey, has cemented his legacy in the world of horse racing! For the third time, he's been crowned the Longines World's Best Jockey, an extraordinary achievement.
But here's the real kicker: this is his second consecutive win! At just 33 years old, McDonald has already secured his place in the history books. Based in Australia, he's been on a winning streak, claiming the prestigious title in 2022 and now again in 2025.
McDonald's journey to the top was nothing short of remarkable. In 2025 alone, he won an incredible 12 of the world's Top 100 Group or Grade 1 races, including iconic events like the Longines Hong Kong Cup and Mile, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000. And let's not forget the Ladbrokes Cox Plate, a highlight on any jockey's resume.
The competition was fierce, but McDonald's dominance was undeniable. He led the pack with an impressive 184 points, leaving his closest rivals, Mickael Barzalona (132 points) and William Buick (114 points), in his dust. This scoring system, introduced by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), assigns points for top-three finishes, and McDonald's consistent success speaks volumes.
The World's Best Jockey title is no small feat. It's determined by performances in the top 100 Group 1 and Grade 1 races, as decided by the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings Committee. And the scoring period is a full year, from December to November, making it a true test of endurance and skill.
This award, established in 2014, has been a platform to celebrate the world's best jockeys. Italian legend Frankie Dettori and English star Ryan Moore have each claimed the title four times, but McDonald is now hot on their heels with his hat-trick of wins.
And this is where it gets even more exciting: with his youth and talent, could McDonald surpass these legends? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure - the world of horse racing has a new icon in James McDonald. What do you think? Is he the greatest jockey of our time, or is it too soon to make that call?
