Racing
JMac rides his 500th winner for Waller
Champion jockey James McDonald and Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller celebrated a milestone moment in their careers when they combined for their 500th winner together at Canterbury on Friday night.
McDonald gave Defendant the run of the race to win the Agency Real Estate Handicap (1900m).
Waller wasn't on track to watch history being made but McDonald spoke for both when said recording his 500th winner for the trainer was "very special.''
"Chris is a supporter of mine and we have built up a great friendship over the years,'' McDonald told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
"It's a pleasaure to be part of his big system and hopefully there are many more (winners).''
McDonald and Waller have the opportunity to bring up their 51st Group 1 win together with unbeaten mare Autumn Glow in the $1 million Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Autumn Glow, the $1.30 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds, is aiming for her 10th win in as many starts in the feature weight-for-age race.
Waller, who has seven of the nine starters in the Verry Elleegant Stakes, is aiming for a record-extending 12th win in the feature weight-for-age race.
McDonald also links with Waller on three-year-old filly Panova in the Group 1 $750,000 Surround Stakes (1400m).
At Flemington, Waller is represented by Sixties and Officiate in the Group 1 $1 million Australian Guineas (1600m).
After the Randwick meeting, McDonald boards an overnight flight to Hong Kong where he will partner champion Romantic Warrior in the $HK13 million Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin.
Hoofnote: Peter Moody and Luke Nolen have the most wins of any active Australian trainer-jockey combination.
Nolen has ridden an amazing 908 wins for Moody during their long association which is most famous for their success with the mighty Black Caviar.
