James McDonald is set to star in Hong Kong but getting to Queensland will be a bit harder

Superstar rider James McDonald is set to take his saddles to Hong Kong next month but getting back for a special ride in Queensland may prove difficult.

James McDonald after taking out the Mackinnon Stakes aboard Zaaki to land his 10th win of the VRC Spring Carnival. Picture: Michael Klein

James McDonald dominated the Flemington carnival winning 10 races and he’s now been cleared to make a hit-and-run assault on Hong Kong for International Week.

McDonald was keen to accept an invitation to ride during the showcase week and, after the Hong Kong Jockey Club were granted an exemption by the government this weekend for a ‘racing bubble’ it’s now down to the logistics of getting the champion jockey in and out of Hong Kong.

It is set be a delicate juggling act though if McDonald is to continue his association with the boom filly Coolangatta at Eagle Farm in the BJ McLachlan on Boxing Day.

The HK Jockey Club had been waiting anxiously for the quarantine exemption and now that has been granted, with the tight constraints that go with it, now it is a matter of getting the travel arrangements settled for McDonald and Damian Lane, who will be representing Australia.

James McDonald drives Verry Elleegant clear in the Melbourne Cup. Picture: David Caird

One of the restrictions involve the international jockeys only being able to travel by private charter, meaning McDonald and Lane are set to share their own jet at the expense of the Jockey Club.

Despite the expense the Jockey Club are desperate to get the Melbourne Cup winning hoop over for the Invitation series of races on Wednesday December 8.

The issue for McDonald and Lane would be whether they stay for the Sunday’s International day, for which both will be in demand despite no current Australian horses appearing.

Another piece of the puzzle for McDonald is he’s also looking to continue his association with the boom filly Coolangatta and the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained youngster is expected to line up in the BJ McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm on December 26.

Following that she would be headed to the Magic Millions, for which she is favourite.

With the McLachlan being two weeks to the day from the International meeting on December 12 there are significant issues around return quarantine which would need to be negotiated.

The picture says it all – James McDonald returns to scale after winning the Melbourne Cup on Verry Elleegant. Picture: William West – AFP

As the quarantine restrictions stand currently McDonald would be able to fly back into Sydney and only be restricted from riding for seven days, however getting into Queensland is another matter.

The current restrictions mean McDonald would need to spend a full 14 days in NSW before being allowed into Queensland as international travellers must quarantine in Queensland for two weeks.

If those restrictions remain in place it’s conceivable McDonald could possibly jet out of Hong Kong following the International Jockeys Challenge on the Wednesday and miss International Day.

McDonald will head to Hong Kong as one of the world’s premier riders and, off the back of his spectacular Melbourne spring carnival is set to be a massive drawcard for their biggest week of racing all year.

The full list of jockeys for the International Jockeys Challenge will be released later this week and apart from McDonald and Damian Lane English star Ryan Moore is another expected to be riding.