Sports Walk of Fame honouring James McDonald

Talented international jockey James McDonald is being inducted into Cambridge’s Sports Walk of Fame.

Raised in Cambridge, McDonald will be recognised for his outstanding achievements in horse racing with a bronzed plaque in the heart of the town centre. An official event will be held to honour McDonald and unveil the new plaque.

McDonald said he was ‘absolutely gob smacked’ when he found out he would be joining the Sports Walk of Fame alongside ‘some of my idols’.

“It is an honour to be inducted and the recognition means a lot to not only me, but also my family, and all the people who have supported and contributed towards my career.”

McDonald began competitively riding at 15-years-old and by his fourth season had claimed both the apprentice and premier riding titles in New Zealand. He has spent more than a decade racing in Australia, winning the 2021 Melbourne Cup and World Jockey of the Year for 2021.

“Cambridge is where I gained my love for riding - mum had me on a horse from the age of seven. I was very lucky that my parents had their own training facility in Cambridge,” McDonald said.

Waipā District Mayor Susan O’Regan said James was a remarkably talented jockey and had rightfully earned his spot among other sporting legends.

“I'm delighted that his achievements will be publicly recognised and celebrated,” she said.