Teenage prodigy. Boom rookie. Next big thing. These are phrases generally attached to Kiwi jockey James McDonald.

Of course, such phrases are often bandied about a little too freely, but in McDonald’s case, the hype is James who? Before he turns 20 next year, McDonald will have collected an astounding four New Zealand apprentice titles and two full-blown premierships. Along the way he’s also become the first Kiwi to accumulate 200 wins in a single season. By doing so across the 2010-11 campaign, McDonald broke Lisa Cropp’s record of 197 wins. It’s this feat he describes as his “biggest personal achievement”.

James McDonald Apprentice Jockey Photos by Getty Images

Given his successes, suitors the world over have chased McDonald’s jockeying services. Young enough to still daydream about travelling, his passport already includes stamps from Asia, Europe and Down Under – all in the name of work. “I’ve been to Australia, Hong Kong, China, Ireland and England,” he says. “All of these places were great, but I really enjoyed Ireland and England. They’re like New Zealand and Australia. One day I might move to Australia, but I don’t know when ... ” McDonald’s fond of Australia for good reason. In June he notched his first Australian Group One win with Scarlett Lady in the Queensland Oaks. “That win’s a highlight of 2011,” he says. “Group Ones are hard to win, so they’re always special.” In July he continued to live up to his reputation by guiding Kiss ‘N Chase and Gybe to wins at Randwick. Then in August at Flemington McDonald triumphed with $8 outsider Temple Of Boom. As the spring racing carnival lengthens its stride, the Australian public will have ample opportunity to see McDonald continue this exceptional form. “James has had lots of interest from outstanding Australian trainers,” says McDonald’s manager, Garry Cossey. “He’ll be spending as much of spring in Australia as possible. He’s good enough to make his mark.”

What’s his story?

As a kid, McDonald was always around horses. His father Brett was a prominent jumps jockey and later a renowned trainer. These trips to the track with his “old man” inspired McDonald’s career. “I was always going to be a jockey, but it was never something I really wanted to do at a young age - I just fell into it.” When McDonald began taking jockeying seriously in 2007 success arrived at pace, with the youngster earning his first win in August before completing his debut season by winning the first of his many apprentice titles.The following season McDonald linked with former racing writer Cossey, who has since overseen his ascension. “I became involved through [race caller] George Simon,” Cossey says. “James was going to races with George and my name came up. I hadn’t wanted to become a manager, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.” In a sport where betting’s second nature, Cossey’s gut instinct is now paying dividends.

James McDonald Jockey Post Race Photos by Getty Images

Who’s he like?

Comparisons between McDonald and Jimmy Cassidy – arguably New Zealand’s greatest-ever jockey – have swirled since the 19-year-old’s first victory. While Cossey’s cautious of the pressure that comes with such comparisons, he believes McDonald has the potential to replicate “The Pumper’s” compendium of achievements. “James is very down-to-earth and easy to get along with,” he says. “What impresses me with his riding is his tactical nous. I used to ring him up to try and give guidance about races ... I quickly found I didn’t need to. He knows exactly what he’s doing.”

‒ Taku Taneka