James McDonald to ride in Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai in his first week back riding

Superstar jockey James McDonald will ride in three countries in eight days as he makes his comeback this week at Canterbury and Rosehill.

James McDonald returns from a holiday and suspension then heads off overseas. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

James McDonald says a three-week break was much needed as the champion rider prepares for a whirlwind globetrotting return in Sydney this weekend.

The multiple Sydney premiership-winning hoop makes his comeback to the saddle at Canterbury on Friday and Rosehill Gardens on Saturday before embarking on another international crusade.

McDonald jets off to Hong Kong immediately after Saturday’s card will only spend 24 hours in the Asian racing jurisdiction.

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He then boards another flight to Dubai where he will pilot the world’s highest rating horse, Romantic Warrior, in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta in Dubai on January 24.

He was also due to ride Australia’s best horse Via Sistina as well as gun colt Switzerland and star mare Fangirl on Thursday morning before Warwick Farm barrier trials were postponed.

A suspension picked up for his role in a race fall at Sha Tin last month has seen him sidelined from the races throughout the Christmas period and New Year but the freshen up has McDonald ready to hit the ground running ahead of a couple of hugely important weeks.

“It was nice to get home from Hong Kong and just down the tools,” McDonald said.

“I’ve had a good three weeks off and I feel really good actually.

“I needed it. It was much needed and I really enjoyed it but looking forward to getting back into it.

“There was obviously no temptation with the suspension to come back earlier than what I had planned for.

“Christmas time is a nice time to be off – not through suspension obviously – but it was good to have it off for sure.”

McDonald reunites with Romantic Warrior in Dubai next week. Picture: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images

McDonald will have six rides on Friday night on Canterbury Park before legging up on another six chances at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

He could be thrust straight back into the limelight with the ride on highly-rated debutant Wodeton in the Chandon 2YO Handicap (1100m).

Coolmore paid $1.6m for the son of super sire Wootton Bassett at last year’s 2024 Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

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Despite not yet racing, the Chris Waller-trained Wodeton already has a significant boom on him and is on the third line of betting for the Golden Slipper at $15.

“He is doing everything nicely and has trialled up nicely,” McDonald said.

“We are looking forward to hopefully seeing him do it on race day.

“We will wait to see what to see what he does on race day but all indications are that he is educated well and prepping up.”

Waller and McDonald will combine five times across the card, including in the Listed $200,000 January Cup (2000m) with favourite Osipenko ($2.60).

It’s been more than 18 months since Osipenko last won but the gelding has been much improved this preparation and went close to breaking his drought in the Group 3 Summer Cup (2000m) last start.

Among his other key chances in the classy Cigar Flick ($4 equal favourite) as she drops back from stakes company in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1300m).

Osipenko is chasing a first win in 18 months. Picture: Grant Guy

“Osipenko is back racing well again so hopefully he can put his nose in front,” McDonald said.

“Cigar Flick is going terrific. She looks to have found a nice race there.

“She is consistent and never far away.”

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McDonald’s only ride that’s not for Waller is one of his best chances on the card with Godolphin galloper Polyglot ($2) in the Precise Air Benchmark 72 Handicap (1100m).

Polyglot raced in Melbourne throughout his debut preparation and was last seen finishing fifth in the Listed Poseidon Stakes at Flemington.

McDonald also has a packed book at Sha Tin on Sunday, headlined by Voyage Bubble in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) crown at Sha Tin.

Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior is set for a three-run campaign in the Middle East.

“It’s a big Group 1 meeting there with Voyage Bubble as well as Howdeepisyourlove (Group 1 Sprint Cup) and then five days Romantic Warrior spins around so there is no rest for the wicked,” McDonald said.

“It seems like it was only yesterday they were competing.

“I will gallop Romantic Warrior on Monday or Tuesday morning in preparation for the Friday night.”

Originally published as James McDonald to ride in Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai in his first week back riding