J-Mac eyes Adelaide Group 1 raid before Hong Kong dash

James McDonald could chase his first G1 win in Adelaide later this month but the champion rider will need to find a suitable workaround that will allow him enough time to get to Hong Kong to ride Romantic Warrior 24 hours later.

McDonald, who recently bettered Damien Oliver’s record for G1 wins, is in line to combine with Chris Waller in both the Robert Sangster Stakes and the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville on April 25.

He could continue his association with G2 Challenge Stakes winner Generosity after her narrow defeat in the G1 Galaxy, while Panova could also make the trip to South Australia to contest the Oaks.

The only stumbling block may be logistics, with McDonald committed to partnering Romantic Warrior in the G1 QE2 Cup at Sha Tin on Champions Day on April 26.

The jockey’s manager Mark Guest confirmed that there is no firm booking for either race, although it remains possible for McDonald to ride in Adelaide before jetting to Hong Kong.

The news of his potential appearance in Adelaide has been met warmly by administrators in the state, who hope McDonald’s name in the form guide will attract additional attention and wagering on the first of three Group 1 racedays in the state.

Racing SA bolstered the prizemoney of each of its four Group 1 races to $1 million in 2024 after announcing a long-term partnership with Sportsbet.