Champion hoop McDonald stretches Sydney premiership lead, guiding Osipenko to January Cup victory

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Champion hoop McDonald stretches Sydney premiership lead, guiding Osipenko to January Cup victory

Osipenko scored his first win since 2023 courtesy of a masterclass in the saddle from James McDonald, coasting home with the Listed $200,000 January Cup (2000m) at Rosehill.

From gate two, McDonald allowed Redbreast ($18) to cross over and took cover in third place aboard the drifting $3.10 TABtouch second favourite, with heavily backed fancy Saltcoats ($2.35) following him but a few lengths astern.

By the 800m, McDonald expertly restrained a length back in order to get to the outside, meaning Osipenko could peel three-wide at the 600m to start his run.

At the 400m, the bay pounced and surged clear, with Converge giving chase and Saltcoats still too far back.

But under the vigour of McDonald, the five-year-old responded and kicked strongly to fend off Converge by a length-and-a-half, with Saltcoats a further three lengths back.

The win brought up the hoop’s fourth for the afternoon, highlighting a Sydney jockeys’ premiership as a goal despite regular international engagements.

“I want to win the premiership again, but it is not going to be easy,’‘ McDonald said.

Camera IconJames McDonald. Credit: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

“I’m going to be missing a fair chunk (of the Sydney season) – which I don’t like – when I ride overseas and at the interstate carnivals.

“So, the next few months will be a test for me, body-wise. The travel takes a lot out of you so I will need to be very disciplined – and to stay out of the stewards’ room, too.’‘

The victory took the leading rider to 51 wins for the season and stretched 15 successes clear of nearest pursuer Tim Clark.

He immediately departed Rosehill for Hong Kong to ride Voyage Bubble in the Group 1 Stewards Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.

From there, he will travel to Dubai to partner Romantic Warrior in trackwork prior to the Group 1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan on Friday night.

Chris Waller’s stable representative Charlie Duckworth crooned over the champion hoop after Osipenko’s triumph.

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“It seems effortless for him at times,’‘ Duckworth said.

“He’s incredibly balanced in the saddle and also he has that balance in his home life, which is important.

“James can come to work every day with a clear mind and do what he has to do.’‘

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