James McDonald has claimed the 2013/14 Sydney Metropolitan Jockey’s Premiership outright at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
McDonald went into the final metropolitan meeting of the season at Warwick Farm level with Nash Rawiller on 70 winners.
While McDonald had just four rides during the seven race program, he only needed the first in the form of Bascule who contested the Testa Rossa @ Vinery Handicap (1200m).
It was a clinical win with McDonald rolling across from a wide alley and sitting in behind the early speed.
The young New Zealand hoop peeled the colt off heels turning from home and the pair never looked back once striding to the front with a furlong remaining. 
Bascule’s maiden win makes James McDonald the first New Zealand-born jockey since Larry Cassidy in 1999/2000 to claim the Sydney Metropolitan Jockey’s Title.
“It is a real honour to win it and be in this position,” McDonald said.
“I can’t really believe my luck.
“It is good to bring the title back on a kiwi bred horse. I had a bit to do with the family in New Zealand and I think this one has a bright future.”
The crucial win was an all New Zealand affair with the Chris Waller-trained Bascule a Thorn Park colt out of Golan mare Alberton Princess.
Chris Waller has saddled up McDonald’s last two Sydney metropolitan winners with Bascule on Wednesday preceded by Reigning at Randwick last Saturday.
“It is a proud moment for James and me being a fellow kiwi,” Waller said.
“It is even a proud moment [for me] to be involved in a young person like James’ career. He is only 23 years old from memory and it is a great achievement.
“I know what he goes through with the pressure of Sydney racing day in and day out and twice a week at a city venue along with the other commitments that come along with it.
“It is no easy feat, I have full respect for him and he there are no doubt a lot better things to come for him.” 
The 2013/14 NSW Metropolitan Jockey’s Premiership is the icing on the cake of what has been a stellar season for McDonald.
McDonald has ridden 25 stakes winners for the season, four of which have been at Group 1 level.
His association with Dundeel yielded two top level wins.
The pair were the only ones to lower the colours of Atlantic Jewel in the Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield and won the $4million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick last April.
McDonald’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory was just one Group 1 success he enjoyed over the Sydney Autumn Carnival where he also partnered Golden Slipper winner Mossfun and Rising Romance who claimed the Australian Oaks (2400m).
His fruitful autumn resulted in McDonald sharing the Nathan Berry Medal with brother Tommy for being the leading jockey of The Championships.
