The champion jockey has enjoyed a lengthy and successful association with the New Zealand Bloodstock principal and was overjoyed to repay him and his partners in the colt with such an unforgettable victory.
McDonald has always been a prodigious talent and was a star jockey in New Zealand before being afforded similar status after relocating to Sydney.
He was Godolphin’s principal rider before falling from grace when ousted after being found guilty on betting charges. But he has returned as a more mature individual and emphasising that his class as a rider is a rare thing.
McDonald produced a superb display aboard Long Leaf, a NZ$750,000 purchase out of Curraghmore’s draft in 2017, for his connections and trainers David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig.
“Obviously, this is one of my favourite tracks anywhere and to get this result for this team is great.” – James McDonald.
“Obviously, this is one of my favourite tracks anywhere and to get this result for this team is great,” McDonald said.
“It’s just great for Sir Peter, always one of my biggest supporters, and for the Coolmore boys. He’s a super horse.”
Watch: Long Leaf as a yearling
McDonald was at his brilliant best on the 3-year-old, who had been a multiple Listed winner and several times Group 1 placed in Australia.
Long Leaf was given an economical run behind the pace and when presented in the straight he was a willing partner for McDonald, lengthening to account for the rank outside The Real Beel (NZ) (Savabeel), who ran out of his skin.
“I’m thrilled for James and all of the group.” – Sir Peter Vela.
“I’m thrilled for James and all of the group. He gave him a peach of a ride and I’m delighted he is getting all of the accolades,” Sir Peter said.
In the previous event, his home-bred and raced Sleeping Beauty (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {IRE}) was narrowly beaten in the G3 Preferment @ Brighthill Farm Concorde H. by Volpe Veloce (Foxwedge).
“She’s a Group 1 mare and you don’t mind losing to them, our horse ran well and you hope the next race might be your turn.
“What I’m most excited about is the magnificence of the night.” – Sir Peter Vela.
“What I’m most excited about is the magnificence of the night. The concept had risks and it’s been more than vindicated.
Long Leaf with his winning connections
“Other clubs have given up meetings to make this happen as well.”
Sir Peter was naturally elated and bullish about this week’s Sale prospect at Karaka.
“I think it is shaping up fantastically well and the biggest buyer (David Ellis) has trifected the Karaka Million and Savabeel has quinellaed it – it’s looking good.”
Co-trainer David Hayes said they had considered coming over for the Karaka Million 12 months’ ago, but decided patience was required.
“He’s been crying out for a mile and we’ve been staying at Brendan Lindsay’s place so we hoped a bit of his luck would rub off on us.” – David Hayes.
“He’s a year older and a bit more settled as a 3-year-old. He’s been crying out for a mile and we’ve been staying at Brendan Lindsay’s place so we hoped a bit of his luck would rub off on us.”
That it did with Long Leaf producing a career-high performance to down the bolter The Real Beel with the China Horse Club pair of Madison County (NZ) (Pins) and Queen Of Diamonds (NZ) (Savabeel) the next pair home.
The former got a long way back in the race and finished off generously and the filly Queen Of Diamonds was also doing her best work late.
Pedigree Notes
Long Leaf is a son of the well-related Stravinsky (USA) mare Frustrating, a daughter of the former New Zealand Broodmare of the Year Parfore (Gold Brose), who won two minor contests.
She is therefore a half-sister to the Group 1 winner Tiger Tees (NZ) (Dubawi {IRE}) and his Group 2 winning brother Ball Of Muscle, dual Group 1 winner Terravista (Captain Rio {GB}) and the former Singapore Horse of the Year winner Super Easy (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}).
Their half-brother Our Lukas (NZ) (Generous {IRE}) won 12 races, including four Listed events and was Group 3 placed.
