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Source: racenet.com.au
Last week it was Chris Waller basking in the glory of a momentous milestone – this week it was his illustrious partner James McDonald’s turn to enjoy his time in the sun.
McDonald equalled the great Malcolm Johnston’s record of most Group 1 victories in a season (16) after claiming the time-honoured Queensland Derby crown aboard Providence on Saturday at Eagle Farm.
“He’s a special idol and an unbelievably good jockey at that,” McDonald said after drawing level with “Miracle” Johnston’s record achieved during the 1979-80 season.
“Obviously to equal him is lovely and I’ve got so much respect for him.
“He’s not only a champion jockey but he’s a great guy. He’s always been there to give me a hand too.
“He’s been very special to me and it’s nice to be equalling him.”
Not that Waller missed out on the accolades after securing his 201st Group 1 victory and fourth Queensland Derby.
He jagged the quinella after Monopolistic ($6.50) finished just under a length behind stablemate Providence, who finished fourth in last year’s JJ Atkins (1600m) as a two-year-old at the same track.
The $91 roughie Inspired Legend rounded out the top three.
Last week Waller was overcome with emotion after Birdman won the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) across the road.
But the shining moment on Saturday belonged to his fellow Kiwi McDonald after his first victory of the day on $5 chance Providence.
It was a breakthrough for Providence backers given he had shown so much promise but had only won one of 14 races heading into the Derby.
“It was nice to win on him, he’s been building towards something,” McDonald said.
“Chris has done a wonderful job in prepping him and his run the other day was good (third in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate at Doomben).
“He’s probably not a true stayer but at 10 furlongs, he’s been sharp and he’s come a long way in a short time.
“He’s a lovely horse to do anything with and he’s got a great attitude.
“I thought I would’ve been on the other one (Monopolistic) but Waller’s always right.”
Waller said his 201st Group 1 triumph was “easier than my first one, that’s for sure”.
He gave an insight into how he chose the riders for his four runners in the Derby, including Ryan Maloney on Kilman, Ben Melham on Monopolistic and Jason Collett on Defendant.
“James was on the top seed from how I saw it and Ryan rode Kilman because he won on him last start and Ben filled the gap,” Waller said.
“Jason Collett rode Defendant and that’s how we sort of work it.
“To get James, I’ve got to try and give him the best rides so I’ve got to be accurate in my decisions.
“He doesn’t really care what he rides – he just obviously respects our decision and that’s why he ended up on the winner.”