McDonald eager to get going on turf after Ladofash strike

PJ McDonald will start the turf season next week without the patronage of Ann Duffield but he is relishing the fresh challenge of riding freelance.

The Irishman, who over the winter severed ties with Duffield after four years as the stable's principal jockey, has been riding primarily for Mark Johnston and Iain Jardine this year and gained victory on Ladofash for another of his supporters.

After claiming the 1m4f handicap for three-year-olds in the colours of Newcastle-based investment manager John Dance, McDonald said: "It's been a long winter and I'm looking forward to getting started on the grass.