McDonald the toast of Kranji

Dynamic Cambridge apprentice James McDonald has been showered with accolades in Singapore.

"The lad showed us just why he's the leading jockey in New Zealand," said Marc Tan, a former Racing Editor of the New Paper.

Tan was impressed with the jockey, who rode on a visiting rider's permit at Singapore's Kranji racetrack last Friday and Sunday.

"I'm sure if he comes back again, and I speak for many of us pressmen here, that he will be welcomed with open arms by owners, trainers and officials," he added. "I hope we see him again soon."

McDonald rode three winners over the two days, and was beaten narrowly on two other occasions.

Tan said McDonald is already proving a wonderful ambassador for New Zealand racing.

A factor which impressed trainers such as Kiwi's Laurie Laxon and Bruce Marsh was how quickly McDonald adapted to the relatively new synthetic turf, the Polytrack, which was used both days.

Those closest to McDonald gave him a big wrap, namely Singapore's top riders Olivier Doleuze, Jose Moreira and Saimee Jumat.

Speaking on behalf of his fellow riders, Saimee said his contemporaries have settled into a "comfort zone" in Singapore, such is their dominance.

"Young James' presence here at the weekend gave us a sharp wake-up call," he joked.

"But all three of us have been impressed."

- © Fairfax NZ News