![James McDonald produced a perfectly timed ride on Aeliana to win the Tancred Stakes [Bradley Photos]](https://betsy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2275604.jpg)
It was a case of patience pays off for James McDonald.
The result was a classic finish in the Tancred Stakes, and another Group 1 victory for the star jockey thanks to his impeccable timing.
Onboard Aeliana, he had to be perfect after a bold front-running effort from Dubai Honour.
It proved to be a classic race – and of course J-Mac got the spoils.
He revealed post-race he said he used learnings from the mare to time his run perfectly.
“I had to be pretty patient on her because I learned a bit on her the other day. I wanted to learn from what I felt the other day,’’ he said.
‘’I thought even though it wasn’t ideal letting them get so far in front I had confidence that the mare would pick up.”
‘’Once she balances up, and then she’ll find. Last time Nash (Rawiller on Lindermann) rode a terrific race and had me a little bit disorganised and I didn’t want that to happen today. Lucky we were on a superior horse and credit to the runner-up (Dubai Honour), he gave us one hell of a fright.”
AELIANA – SHE’S ALL HEART 💜🤍
Another classic Group 1! Dubai Honour so brave but Aeliana has grabbed him in a Tancred for the ages to make it two Group Ones in a week 🏆🏆@mcacajamez @cwallerracing @startbreds pic.twitter.com/v9PdMR738r
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) March 28, 2026
Despite being somewhat surprised by the distance Dubai Honour put on the field, McDonald said he knew Aeliana was building nicely into the race.
“I probably would have loved to have a bit of cover but it didn’t work out that way. She was so brave, it wasn’t my plan to give him so much of a headstart. I just waited and waited for her to be ready and when she was ready she just exploded,’’ he said.
“About the 300, I could feel her really building underneath me. I just felt if I went earlier and chased her I would’ve been just out of my comfort zone. It was a chance I was willing to take and I’m glad it paid off.”
Trainer Chris Waller was all praise for his star jockey who adds another Group 1 to his tally.
“It’s hard to beat a (William) Haggas horse when they’re being set for a race as Mr. Haggas does. He shows us what training’s all about when he comes down here. We knew we had to be on top of our game,’’ he said.
”Full credit to Aeliana, she’s a proper horse. She puts herself in the race, never let Dubai Honour get out of our sights. He threw the task at the 600 metre mark, probably a little bit earlier than what we liked but James (McDonald) just cuddled her and fortunately she was just strong to the line and we just got there in time.”
Waller said no decision has been made on where Aeliana races next, but will look at a potential Queen Elizabeth Stakes tilt.
