Peter FitzSimons needs to park his ignorance and give jockeys some respect

James McDonald is racing towards becoming the greatest jockey of all-time, yet Peter FitzSimons says he’s never heard of him. David Riccio has an introductory lesson for FitzSimons.

Peter FitzSimons walked head first into that one.

Surprising, given his depth of knowledge into the impact of concussion.

Perhaps the red bandana flopped too far forward 20-years ago, and has remained there ever since.

For those not on Twitter, the Fairfax scribe posted an observation last Tuesday night.

“Someone just said on the news that “James McDonald is the leading jockey in Australia.”

“Have we changed, or is it me?

“20 years ago I could have named several jockeys, despite having no interest in racing.

“They were ubiquitous.

“Now, none.

“And I’ve never heard of this ‘un?”

The torrent of replies began pinging almost immediately.

The majority arrived with disbelief, the others came loaded with a jab aimed straight at the heart of the old Wallaby.

Never heard of James McDonald? Come on Fitz.

“15 years ago I could‘ve named nearly all of the Aus Rugby Union side … now I don’t (know) a single player in the ARU,’’ Justin Fary wrote.

Still, the public admission of having never heard of James McDonald, the best jockey in the world with more Group One wins (75) in Australia than the legendary Peter Cook, four-time Melbourne Cup winner Harry White, on top of other champions like Malcolm Johnston, Greg Hall, Chris Munce, Darren Gauci and Larry Cassidy, to name just a few of the country’s greatest-ever jockeys, came as a surprise, to say the least.

Fitzy must have missed the terrific feature interview with McDonald on his own pages penned by respected colleague Andrew Webster, just four months ago.

Steve Hansen?

Surely Fitz has heard of him?

We can’t be certain.

Anyway, the former All Blacks coach is a part-owner of a fairly special horse called Nature Strip.

Someone just said on the news that "James McDonald is the leading jockey in Australia".
Have we changed, or is it me?
20 years ago I could have named several jockeys, despite having no interest in racing.
They were ubiquitous.
Now, none.
And I've never heard of this'un?

— Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) March 14, 2023

Nature Strip has accumulated more than $20 million in prizemoney underpinned by nine Group One wins.

Every one of those Group One wins have been broadcast nationally around the country.

In eight of those nine majors, McDonald has been the jockey tipping his skull cap and whip to the cameras.

He’s got very used to it.

McDonald, still just 31, is rising so quickly up the list of most Group One wins that Darren Beadman, Neville Sellwood, Mick Dittman, Roy Higgins, Shane Dye, Glenn Boss and Jimmy Cassidy are all very likely soon to be passed by JMac.

What’s to say McDonald won’t take over the current leader, Damien Oliver, who has 123 Group One wins?

McDonald could finish his career as the greatest jockey ever. Better than them all.

Last year, McDonald earnt more than double his nearest jockey rival, Hugh Bowman, 41.

JMac‘s rides earnt a staggering $33.6m in prize money.

Former All Blacks coach Steve Hanse knows who James McDonald is. Picture: Getty Images

Any wonder McDonald now lives in a $9 million mansion in Vaucluse with his wife and baby girl, Evie Belle.

There’s a trophy awarded to the world’s best jockey each year.

It‘s sponsored by Longines, a Swiss company that makes watches, just to be sure.

McDonald is currently rated the world’s best jockey, having collected the prized-gong last year.

Alongside McDonald in Australia are equally-talented hoops, including champions Jamie Kah, Craig Williams, Tommy Berry and Willie Pike.

They made a movie about Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne. A pioneer for women’s sport in every sense.

I would argue these incredibly dedicated, strong of heart and mind, sleep-deprived, starved and brave athletes are tougher than any footballer.

Concussion is the buzzword for every contact sport in the world.

Jockeys wouldn’t mind worrying about a head knock if they didn’t have to worry about falling to their death from a 500kg animal travelling at 60km/h.

So please, park the ignorance and provide Australia’s toughest sports men and women the credit they deserve.