New Zealand jockey James McDonald has secured the Longines World’s Best Jockey title for the second year running and the third time in his career, capping a dominant 2025 campaign.
The 33-year-old, now based in Australia, amassed 184 points after winning 12 of the world’s top Group 1 races, including major triumphs in Hong Kong, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Cox Plate.
McDonald maintained a strong lead throughout the season, finishing well ahead of Mickael Barzalona and William Buick under a points system that rewards top-three placings across the 100 highest-rated elite races.
Established in 2014, the award recognises the top global performer each season, with McDonald now sitting just behind record-holders Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore, who have four titles apiece.
After leading throughout the year, James McDonald has officially won the title of 2025 Longines World’s Best Jockey! He will be celebrated later this month in Hong Kong.
Read: https://t.co/nWLYW3Ue8A pic.twitter.com/fwzpeYkTYI
— IFHA’s Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings (@worldsbesthorse) December 3, 2025
