James McDonald faces wait after latest appeal against betting ban

Jockey James McDonald faces an anxious wait to find out whether his latest appeal against an 18-month ban for betting on a race has been successful.

McDonald was banned at the end of last year and lost his role as number one rider to Godolphin in Australia, a position that has temporarily been filled by James Doyle, having been found guilty of placing a A$1,000 bet in December 2015.

His appeal was heard on Wednesday by the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal who reserved their decision. However, a result is expected to be made within the next seven days.

Speaking to G1X.com.au, McDonald said: “(My legal counsel) Bret’s been wonderful. I’ve got every opportunity to get a result. It has been tough, but I’m getting through it alright.

“There’s been a lot of support, not only in the racing industry but from the whole country, and not just from Australia but New Zealand as well. I’ve been bamboozled by what I’ve received.”

McDonald spent a highly successful period riding in Britain last summer, when he rode 19 winners and collected over £900,000 in prize-money. His wins included the Northumberland Plate, Lennox Stakes and Princess of Wales’s Stakes.