John Hawkes’ advice helps James McDonald remain on top of his game
Daily tuition from Hall of Fame trainer John Hawkes is a big reason James McDonald has become one of the hottest riding prospects in Australia.
McDonald has a golden book of rides at Royal Randwick on Saturday, including Team Hawkes’ Toydini in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m), Nostradamus, and Breeders Plate favourite Sooboog.
But McDonald said there was a lot more to the relationship with Hawkes than simply being legged aboard some of his best hopes each week.
"John has been a big help to me, I’ll call him on the way home after each race, and he always gives me a hand," McDonald told The Daily Telegraph.
"He’s hard but fair, and I respect his opinion because he’s been there and done that.
"Even after a winning ride, he’ll tell me if I’ve done something wrong.
"He’ll tell me if I could have been more decisive in a race, and he keeps me grounded, for sure."
McDonald smiles when he recalls a conversation with Hawkes on Golden Slipper Day. McDonald won the Slipper on Team Hawkes’ Mossfun, but came out in the final race and butchered Leebaz.
"I’d just won the richest two-year-old race in the world, he did congratulate me, but he spent most of the time drilling the hell out of me for that ride (on Leebaz)," McDonald said.
Godolphin chief John O’Shea can lay claim to introducing McDonals to Sydney. He showed faith in him when a lot of others wouldn’t. He continues to be a big supporter. One of McDonald’s spring wishes is to bag his first major for his mate.
But with the continued feedback from Hawkes, McDonald has taken his game to a new level.
The kid is in such hot demand, owners and trainers now try to book him for rides more than a fortnight before a big race.
For instance, Peter Snowden has locked him in for Shooting To Win in Saturday week’s Caulfield Guineas, while Gai Waterhouse will use him on her import Café Society in the Herbert Power Stakes.
As Hawkes says of McDonald: "I’m happy to help people who want to listen, and not everyone wants to listen.
"There’s a difference between constructive criticism and criticism, and unfortunately most jockeys think constructive criticism is criticism. James is a really good kid with a bright future."
McDonald, 22, said he had five genuine hopes at Randwick on Saturday, including Team Hawkes’ trio.
"Sooboog, Nostradamus, Toydini, Rising Romance and Spillway are all really good chances," said McDonald, whose five rides would return $853.94 for a $1 all-up.
"Had (Hawkes’) Lake Geneva run in the Gimcrack, I would have been keen on her, too.
"Nostradamus is dropping back in trip, he’s on a hard track, and I reckon he’ll be the hardest to beat (in the Roman Consul Stakes). He won first-up, Hallowed Crown will start at short odds, but I think my bloke is pretty good, and he’s very effective over 1200m."
Sooboog cost $1.5 million, is a full brother to Group 1 speedster Snitzerland, and will start favourite in the Breeders Plate. His five-length trial win almost justified the price tag.
"He’s a nice colt, he’s very professional, and nothing fazes him — he’s just a ready-made, strong, sprinting-type horse," McDonald said.
Expect McDonald to call Hawkes when he departs Randwick on Saturday, hopefully with a few Group 1s victories under his belt.
Story: Christian Nicolussi Daily Telegraph