James McDonald to ride Joliestar for Chris Waller Racing in $20 million sprint at Randwick
“I’m a little one-eyed, but War Machine, I don’t think people realize how good he is,” Hayes said.
“He has four wins in the men’s race and won them all, including the Stradbroke. He won the Gilgai carrying 60kg, so he is a worthy contender in this race.”
Joliestar and James McDonald cruise to victory in the Shorts at Randwick.Credit: Getty Images
“I thought Lady Shenandoah’s second place finish in the Concorde Stakes was incredible. She’s obviously a superstar. And Briasa has improved, I didn’t think she had any hope after her first run but her second run was really good.”
As reported by this imprint on Tuesday, leading jockey James McDonald has opted for Joliestar stablemate Lady Shenandoah, who will be piloted by Damian Lane.
McDonald, who won the 2021 Everest on the Waller-trained Nature Strip, had a strong relationship with both stars but was committed to Joliestar before the barrier draw.
Waller’s assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth, said of McDonald’s decision: “It’s obviously very difficult. He’s got a good relationship with two of the three horses. It was a group decision. After all, he’s got an incredible relationship with Joliestar. He’s the second favourite, he’s the champion jockey, so he’s entitled to ride the best horse Sydney has to offer.”
Everest’s final course
Ka Ying Rising (7) David Hayes – Zac Purton – $1.80
Briasa (10) John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes – Tyler Schiller – $12
Overpass (9) Bjorn Baker – Josh Parr – $51
Jimmysstar (11) Ciaron Maher – Ethan Brown – $9
War Machine (4) Me, Will and JD Hayes – Tim Clark – $17
Mazu (2) Joe Pride – Jason Collett – $101
Jedibeel (8) Brad Widdup – Kerrin McEvoy – $201
Angel Capital (3) Chris Waller – Ben Melham – $26
Jolistar (5) Chris Waller – James McDonald – $6
Lady Shenandoah (6) Chris Waller – Damian Lane – $13
Magic Time (12) Grahame Begg – Michaek Dee – $51
Tempting (1) Ciaron Maher – Craig Williams – $13
“If the market shows he’s the best in Sydney, that’s probably where he should go.”
Victorian rider Ben Melham had already been booked for Waller’s other Everest runner, Angel Capital.
Joliestar has been running behind or in second place behind betting favorite Ka Ying Rising for the Everest since McDonald guided her to a dominant win in the $1 million The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on September 20. He has since taken her well back in the Randwick trial, where Ka Ying Rising finished third, and she too finished second in the race.
Joliestar is the only runner from last year’s Everest field to return this year, with Chris Waller Racing filling his spot. The five-year-old Zoustar filly finished seventh in 2024, but was only a length and a half clear of winner Bella Nipotina.
Joe Pride-trained Mazu was confirmed on Monday as the last man to attempt Everest and will replace Yulong, who replaced the injured Private Harry. Jason Collett rode the experienced pilot on his last runs and will be aboard on Saturday.
The remaining jockeys are Zac Purton (Ka Ying Rising), Josh Parr (Overpass), Ethan Brown (Jimmysstar), Tyler Schiller (Briasa), Tim Clark (War Machine), Kerrin McEvoy (Jedibeel), Michael Dee (Magic Time) and Craig Williams (Tempted).
