James McDonald Named World’s Best Jockey by Longines for the Second Consecutive Year

The New Zealander once again captured the World’s Best Jockey Award, recording 12 victories among the world’s top 100 Group 1 races

James McDonald clinched his third title as the World’s Best Jockey / HKJC

LONDON, England (Special to Turf Diario)—James McDonald’s dominance on the global stage was once again undeniable. The New Zealand–born, Australia-based superstar was crowned the Longines World’s Best Jockey for the second consecutive year and the third time in his career, adding 2025 to his previous titles in 2022 and 2024 and cementing his status as one of modern racing’s most influential figures.

To secure the 2025 crown, McDonald amassed 12 victories in races ranked within the Longines/IFHA Top 100 G1s worldwide. His résumé was as deep as it was dazzling: the G1 Hong Kong Cup aboard Romantic Warrior(Acclamation); the Hong Kong Mile (G1), Stewards’ Cup (G1) and Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (G1) with Voyage Bubble(Deep Field); and an extraordinary sequence with champion Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock), taking the TAB Verry Elleegant Stakes, Ranvet Stakes, Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Winx Stakes, Cox Plate and Champions Stakes—all at the elite level. He also captured the Doomben 10,000 (G1) with Sunshine in Paris (Invader) and the Kingsford-Smith Cup (G1) aboard Joliestar (Zoustar).

There was never a moment of doubt. McDonald led the standings wire-to-wire, closing with 184 points—well ahead of France’s Mickaël Barzalona (132) and Britain’s William Buick (114). The scoring system awards 12 points for each G1 win, 6 for seconds and 4 for thirds, accounting for performances from December 1 of the previous year through November 30.

McDonald will receive the award on December 12 during the Hong Kong International Races gala dinner at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, where he will be honored for another exceptional global campaign. Full rankings can be found on the IFHA’s official website.

Created 12 years ago by Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, the award identifies the best jockey in the world through an objective points-based system. Ryan Moore was the inaugural winner in 2014 and added crowns in 2016, 2021 and 2023. Frankie Dettori earned four titles (2015, 2018, 2019, 2020), while Hugh Bowman took the 2017 edition.

Now a triple laureate, James McDonald continues to build a legacy that places him firmly among the giants of the sport.