A dominant year in the saddle has been recognised for jockey James McDonald, who has been crowned the world’s best for 2022 - becoming the first Kiwi to claim the title.
His margin of victory’s only reinforced what a year it’s been.
McDonald has spent the last 12 months riding winners all over the globe and while he's now officially the best in the world, he never forgets where he's from
"Very proud to do it for Kiwiland and obviously we ply our trade in Australia, but New Zealand's always gonna be home," he said. "It's unbelievable obviously to be lucky enough to win it.
"I had a great association with Anamoe, Nature Strip and Verry Elleegant, and they were the main reason we've received this award, so it's just incredible."
The Longines World’s Best Jockey Competition sees points awarded for first, second and third-place finishes across the top 100 races in the world.
McDonald won nine of them on five different horses, giving him a tally of 142 points - 46 points clear of last year’s winner and three-time champion Ryan Moore of England - but of all his wins, one stands out above the rest.
"Nature Strip winning at Royal Ascot," he said. "To get that international achievement, winning on one of the biggest stages in the world - arguably my favourite carnival of them all too - that was just a huge satisfaction for everyone involved to do it on such a special horse."
The award recognises what McDonald admits has been his best year in the saddle and amid all the success, he's recently become a dad to Evie.
"She's been sleeping like a trooper actually," he said. "I think it's quite easy... I might have to go for another one now."
For a man who makes winning look easy, it seems there's nothing 'JMac' can't do.
