Champion jockey James McDonald excited by the challenge that awaits in new franchise-based global jockey league
James McDonald is one of a number of champion jockeys to give the new global jockey league the tick of approval.
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Champion jockey James McDonald says he cannot wait to test himself against the world’s best in an innovative new global jockey franchise series.
“This will be the ultimate challenge for jockeys,” 116-time Group 1 winner McDonald told News Corp.
“The 12 best, riding against each other, different distances and tactics, on different surfaces. I can’t wait to get started.”
News Corp has revealed exclusive news of how the world’s top 12 jockeys have signed up with a franchise-based global league which could revolutionise racing and attract new audiences.
Between them, the 12 superstar jockeys boast more than 28,000 wins in the saddle.
EXCLUSIVE:World’s best jockeys to compete in global racing series
Expat Aussie Zac Purton, who earlier this year broke Douglas Whyte’s longstanding record for the most winners in Hong Kong racing history, is one of the foundation jockeys of the league.
“In the twilight of my career and with my legacy already set, I’m really excited that this league could also give me a pathway to becoming a Team Principal,” Purton said.
“I look forward to the new challenges that could bring for me, and I’m excited about the prospect of being able to select the next jockey to ride for my team once I decide to hang up the saddle.
“I love competing against all the best jockeys from around the world and am pumped about the prospect of seeing this league up and running.
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“Subject to the approval, support and blessing of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, I can’t wait to help promote our sport, engage a wider audience and sell it to the younger demographic.”
Legendary British jockey Ryan Moore, who has ridden over 200 Group and Grade 1 winners internationally and scored the 2014 Melbourne Cup on Protectionist, said: “The line-up of jockeys that has been assembled from across the world is incredibly strong and I’m excited about the prospect of being able to contribute to generating increased interest in the sport of horse racing globally.”
French-born superstar Christophe Lemaire, a globetrotting superstar best known in Australia for winning the 2011 Melbourne Cup on Dunaden, believes the funky new league can help drive racing forward to a more exciting future.
“We all want to be part of creating a stronger future for horse racing and we are confident this league is the right platform for us to contribute to that goal,“ Lemaire said.
“We all look forward to helping to take our great sport of horse racing to another level.”
One of the main conundrums for the founders of the league will be getting the 12 jockeys - who ride in different jurisdictions all over the globe - in the same place at the same time.
They also must find clear air in the racing calendar - or piggyback off existing carnivals - as they don’t want to go head to head with major established races or carnivals.
Various Australian race clubs and Principal Racing Authorities have been briefed on the bold plans and 25-30 potential host cities around the world have knowledge of the project.
Season one of the series would feature up to six events around the globe with a distinct start and end to the season.
The All-Star Mile in Melbourne has struggled for traction in recent years and one of the events could add extra snap and crackle to the Victorian autumn carnival before the AFL season kicks into action.
A Friday twilight event in late February leading into the Flemington Group 1s could also be an attractive proposition.
Racing NSW supremo Peter V’landys also knows the value of exciting new racing products, having launched slot race The Everest which has become an extraordinary success since its inception in 2017.
THE REMARKABLE RECORDS OF THE 12 JOCKEYS SIGNED UP FOR THE LEAGUE
Originally published as Champion jockey James McDonald excited by the challenge that awaits in new franchise-based global jockey league
EXCLUSIVE: World’s best jockeys to compete in global racing league
Thoroughbred racing’s biggest and brightest names of the jockey ranks have signed on to compete in a lucrative Grand Prix style franchise-based global circuit.
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