Racing: McDonald denies talk of moving to England

James McDonald celebrates after riding Shez Sinsational to victory. Photo / File

Sydney-based Kiwi jockey James McDonald has quashed any suggestion of a move to England.

"It's not happening, not at this stage anyway. I'm staying in Sydney. Those rumours are only rumours," the expatriate New Zealand rider said.

"I enjoy it here. This is home, but I do enjoying travelling to the UK for those riding stints."

McDonald said one of the highlights of his recent Royal Ascot experience was meeting the Queen.

"I had a good conversation with her. I was really nervous before meeting her, but it was really good. She's not as posh as I expected and she was fantastic really. She said she was keen to meet me and said she had been following my career in Australia."

● New Zealand-bred Pins gelding Rhythm To Spare will take aim at today's Listed Winter Championship Series Final (1600m) at Flemington for the third time.

The eight-year-old has finished fifth in the past two editions of the event, in which he will be ridden by Damien Oliver.

"We think he's going as good as ever, it's just unfortunate he's had no luck in his last two runs in Adelaide and at Moonee Valley," trainer Michael Moroney's racing manager Anthony Feroce said.

"We're just hoping for a bit better luck on Saturday and I think he can be in the finish."

- NZ Racing Desk