James McDonald: from betting ban to first Royal Ascot winner

Ace Kiwi jockey James McDonald rode his first Royal Ascot winner on Wednesday, when steering Expert Eye to a four-and-a-half-length win in the Jersey Stakes.

McDonald was banned for 18 months in 2016 after breaching betting regulations in Australia, having placed a win bet of around A$1,000 on a horse he was riding at Randwick, and was released from his contract as Godolphin's number one jockey down under.

Expert Eye exploded away from his rivals in the Jersey StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

However, he returned to racing in May having served his ban and was swiftly in high demand again, testament to the regard in which the rider is held, and he has secured an excellent book of rides at Royal Ascot this year.

"It's a huge thrill to come here and ride a Royal Ascot winner," said McDonald, 26. "I can't put into words how much this means. This is what it's all about.

"I never thought 18 months ago I'd be at Royal Ascot. It's an absolute pleasure, and I have a lot of people to thank for that."

He added of his landmark winner, trained by Sir Michael Stoute: "Expert Eye is a very good horse and showed that today. He won really well.

"He felt like a rocket ship out there. He settled further back than I'd have liked, but he travelled kindly and after the three-furlong pole he picked up really good.

"I could see Ryan Moore on Could It Be Love in front of me and I knew my horse was going to pick him up very quickly - he was impressive.

"Full credit must go to the horse and Sir Michael, who is a true legend."

McDonald has eight more rides over the remaining three days of the royal meeting, including Elector for Stoute and the Queen in the King Edward VII Stakes, and Equilateral, favourite for the Commonwealth Cup, both on Friday.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com