THESE are heady times for P.J. McDonald, who used to be happy picking up the odd ride here and there for the late Dandy Nicholls.

The talented Irishman made a real mark on the third day of York’s Ebor meeting by riding a double which started with the Group 2 Hamilton Lonsdale Cup on Chester Cup winner Montaly for Andrew Balding. McDonald inched out Ryan Moore, no less, on Queen Elizabeth’s 11/4 favourite Dartmouth with the irresolute San Michel finding less than expected between the pair.