McDonald out to equal Group 1 riding record in Tatts Tiara

James McDonald will be hoping to etch his name into the history books this Saturday as he partners Firestorm in the Tattersall’s Tiara, the last Group 1 race of the 2024-25 season.

A win aboard Firestorm would see McDonald draw level with the 16 Group 1 wins Malcolm Johnston achieved in the 1979-80 season, a record that has stood for over four decades.

Firestorm has been a model of consistency and leads betting at $4.20, despite drawing a wide alley in gate 19. The Chris Waller-trained mare will be joined by stablemates Olentia, Konasana and emergency runner Gumdrops in what promises to be a strong hand for the stable.

Charlie Duckworth, Waller’s right-hand man, remains confident Firestorm is in the right condition. “She has got exceptional form behind Lady Shenandoah in the Coolmore Classic and then in the Doncaster Mile, they just didn’t go quick enough for her to feature. She needs a bit of tempo on,” Duckworth said.

“Her first-up run the other day was brilliant. It wasn’t a very hard run either so she has bounced through that. She went to the farm for a couple of days and came back and she has done really well.”

McDonald’s mount ran third to Floozie in the recent Dane Ripper Stakes, indicating she is building strongly into this feature contest.

“James is only riding three on the day so he is going to have to make them all count,” Duckworth added with a smile.

Konasana’s supporters will be encouraged by her top-four finishes in Group 1 races in New Zealand. “She was unlucky not to win a Group One in New Zealand so she is on the hunt for that elusive race,” Duckworth said.

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