MCDONALD TO RIDE TOMODACHI IN THE TELEGRAPH
By Graham Potter | Wednesday, December 30, 2026
Champion jockey James McDonald will kick off the New Year with a visit to his homeland for a one-ride, Group 1 hit-and-run mission at Trentham, where he will partner Tomodachi in the 1200m Telegraph for the training partnership of Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott.
McDonald last rode in New Zealand close to two years ago where he famously took out both the Karaka Millions Two-Year-Old and Three-Year-old double … a fixture he will not be available for in 2016 because of his commitment to ride the Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior who, amongst other international targets, is likely to take on the US$20 million Saudi Cup in February.
The Tomodachi ride has been locked in though, and McDonald’s presence will bring an extra level of interest to the Telegraph race-day, particularly as Tomodachi currently holds the place at the top of the betting boards.
Arguably the main danger that McDonald will have to deal with will be his stable companion Grail Seeker, who will be looking to make it back-to-back wins in The Telegraph after taking out the 2025 edition of the race when ridden by Kevin Stott.
“James is obviously a world class jockey, he knows how to win the Telegraph, and for our part Tomodachi is right on target, so hopefully it will all come together with the right result,” said O’Sullivan, talking to LOVERACING.NZ.
“We’re happy with both mares and even though their work patterns are a lot different, we’re confident that they’re on target,”
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