Godolphin Rider Under Investigation Racing New South Wales in Australia has launched an investigation into betting related activity by leading rider James McDonald. The 22 year old New Zealander is first jockey to Godolphin trainer John O'Shea in Sydney. The investigation relates to a maiden race run at Randwick racecourse in December last year when McDonald rode the subsequent Group 1 winner Astern to victory. It is alleged that the jockey had an interest in a bet on the horse placed by an associate. McDonald who has ridden winners in both Ireland and Britain and finished third in the recent Melbourne Cup aboard the favourite Hartnell has voluntarily stood himself down from riding while the matter is investigated.
