Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

James McDonald equalled one of Australian racing’s longest-standing records on Saturday after riding Providence to victory in the Group 1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm.

The win gave McDonald his 16th Australian Group 1 success of the season, matching the mark set by “Miracle” Mal Johnston in 1979-80.

For more racing build-up from Eagle Farm, read WA-owned Buthelezi Ready for Group 1 Queensland Derby Test at Eagle Farm, while official race information is available through Racing Queensland.

McDonald lands record-equalling win

All of McDonald’s Australian Group 1 wins this season have come for Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller, and Providence gave the pair another major result in Brisbane.

“Providence ran it out pretty strong but to be fair, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better run,’‘ McDonald said.

“I had a ‘resting’ run the first half and was able to build into it when I wanted.

“He’s run it out pretty strong but to be fair he is probably not a true stayer. He ducked in late because he was getting tired.

“But he is a lovely horse to do anything and has a great attitude.’‘

Waller reaches another Group 1 landmark

The Queensland Derby was Waller’s 200th Australian Group 1 win, adding to a career that also includes Nature Strip’s King’s Stand Stakes victory at Royal Ascot.

“The 201st Group 1 is easier than the first one, that’s for sure,’‘ Waller said.

Waller trained the first two home for Newgate Farm, with Providence beating Monopolistic by one length. Inspired Legend finished third at big odds.

The victory also took the McDonald and Waller partnership to 62 Group 1 wins together, further underlining their place as Australian racing’s top jockey and trainer pairing.

Providence points to bigger targets

McDonald said he often trusts Waller to place him on the right runner when the stable has more than one Group 1 chance.

“Chris has a lot of good horses clashing all the time,’‘ McDonald said.

“You put your trust in the stable and hope we are on the best one. Chris is normally right and looks after us.’‘

Waller said Providence and Monopolistic are still improving and could use Queensland as a launch point for next season.

“We see Queensland each and every winter as a springboard for a lot of our better horses,’‘ he said.

“And these horses are still on the up, so very exciting for connections.”