McDonald Triumphs in JJ Atkins Stakes, Sets New Group 1 Record
A champion indeed, Tron Bolt, under the expert handling of James McDonald, clinched victory in the prestigious Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm. In doing so, McDonald etched his name in the record books, surpassing Malcolm Johnston's long-standing mark for group one wins in a single Australian season.
The 141 group one winners amassed by McDonald are already a testament to his skill, but achieving 17 in the 2025/26 season establishes a new pinnacle.
"I feel very humbled and privileged to be in this position," McDonald shared. "To ride horses like that who give me great rides, I thought he was exceptional today. It is nice to stand alone."
Trained by Chris Waller, the $1.80 favourite Tron Bolt repelled the challenge from Cormier ($11), who was ridden by Aaron Bullock, securing a one-length win. Stablemate Stormy Marco ($14) claimed third place.
"You'd think that James McDonald would hand up just one group one, wouldn't you," Bullock quipped post-race.
This win represents the fourth JJ Atkins for the Waller stable, adding to the successes of Pressday in 2010, Press Statement in 2015, and The Autumn Sun in 2018.
Attention now turns to the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) as a potential springtime objective for Tron Bolt.
"With (stud) values, you always try and win something shorter like a Golden Rose at our home track," Waller commented. "We try and use the Golden Rose as a steppingstone to either a Coolmore Stud Stakes up the (Flemington) straight, but for this horse's example it would be more a Caulfield Guineas."
McDonald, reflecting on his 2024 Atkins win aboard Broadsiding, drew comparisons between the two colts.
"Broadsiding was a bit spunkier," McDonald explained. "He was the real deal. This one, he's a bit sleepy but he's alive when you really want him to and that is the great thing about this horse. You can put him to sleep. He does what he needs to do and he'll wake up.
"A little bit chalk and cheese but he'll reach great heights, this horse. A bit of furnishing to do but he'll come on immensely. He's very adaptable and he's got a bright future."
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