ONE of the most refreshing aspects of British horseracing this summer has been the gift of James McDonald. The New Zealander is contracted to ride for Godolphin in Australia, where he has been a tremendous success, winning a list of pattern races as long as his arm, primarily for Sydney-based trainer John O’Shea.

His move to Australia came after he’d dominated the riding scene in his home country, becoming a multiple champion with over 600 winners while still in his teens, and he impressed many when taking a short visit to Ireland in 2010, when scoring victories for Eddie Harty and Jessica Harrington.