James McDonald sets new marker after record 130th Group 1 win at Rosehill Guines

James McDonald has broken the all-time record for most Group 1 wins by a jockey aged just 34.

After steering Aeliana ($1.65) to victory in the Ranvet Stakes to tie Damien Oliver’s tally of 129 victories, the champion hoop kicked Autumn Boy ($2.50) to an easy success in the Rosehill Guineas to set his own mark.

Both horses were prepared by Chris Waller and the triumphs meant they also became the winningest Group 1 trainer-rider combination with their total of 55 besting the venerable Tommy Smith-George Moore benchmark, which concluded in 1971.

McDonald still has chances to come on the Rosehill programme to extend his record, mounting Autumn Glow ($1.26) in the George Ryder before Fireball ($12) contests the day’s feature, the Golden Slipper.

“I think I can go dairy farming now,” McDonald joked.

“I ride the best horses in the country. I’m lucky to have the support of all trainers throughout the land.”

The milestone victory came after significant build-up, but McDonald insisted the record was never his primary focus.

“I didn’t come to the races wanting to ride or break the record. I wanted to come here and ride winners and the rest would look after itself,” he said. “It’s never been at the forefront of my mind.”

“Still as hungry as ever? Yeah, absolutely, I’ll get to 200, you watch,” he declared.