Which Australian Jockey has the most Group One Wins?

Bets.com.au Staff

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Last updated: Mon 01 Jun 2026 09:56

Bets.com.au Staff 01 Jun 2026

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James McDonald holds a record of 137 Group 1 wins
He surpasses Damien Oliver and George Moore's historical records
McDonald's rapid rise marks a new era in Australian racing

(Getty)

With six jockeys having brought up 100 Group 1 wins, including two who are still riding, some remarkable milestones have been achieved in Australian racing history.

6. Jim Cassidy (104 Group 1 wins)
5. Hugh Bowman (107 Group 1 wins)
4. Roy Higgins (108 Group 1 wins)
3. George Moore (126 Group 1 wins)
2. Damien Oliver (129 Group 1 wins)
1. James McDonald (131 Group 1 wins)
Most Australian Group Ones Jockey wins FAQ

James McDonald now sits at the top of the list with 137 Group 1 victories, having surged past the long-standing benchmark set by Damien Oliver, who finished his career with 129 wins, and George Moore, who retired from race riding in 1971 with 126 victories and held the record for decades — an extraordinary achievement given the far smaller number of Group 1 races run during his era.

McDonald’s rise to the summit has come in dominant fashion, with the champion jockey continuing to add to his tally at a rapid rate, further cementing his place at the top of Australian racing’s all-time Group 1 list.

The updated list for the most Group 1 wins by an Australian jockey can be found below:

6. Jim Cassidy (104 Group 1 wins)

g1 jockeys — Jim Cassidy returns on Dissident after winning the 2015 The All Aged Stakes. (Getty)

Group 1 wins include: Melbourne Cup (x2), Caulfield Cup (x2), Cox Plate, Golden Slipper.

5. Hugh Bowman (107 Group 1 wins)

Group 1 wins include: Cox Plate (x4), Chipping Norton (x4), Hong Kong Derby (x2), Golden Slipper.

4. Roy Higgins (108 Group 1 wins)

roy higgins pic — Racehorse owner W. J. Broderick leading his horse, Light Fingers, ridden by jockey Roy Higgins after their win in the 1969 Melbourne Cup. (Getty)

Group 1 wins include: Melbourne Cup (x2), Cox Plate (x2), VRC Oaks (x5), Victoria Derby (x4).

3. George Moore (126 Group 1 wins)

George Moore jockey — Australian jockey George Moore pictured on August 2, 1961. (Getty)

Group 1 wins include: AJC Derby (x5), Sydney Cup (x3), Doncaster Handicap (x3), Cox Plate (x2),

2. Damien Oliver (129 Group 1 wins)

Olly pic — Damien Oliver brought up his 129th & last Group 1 win aboard Alligator Blood in the 2023 Underwood Stakes. (Getty)

Group 1 wins include: Melbourne Cup (x3), Caulfield Cup (x4), VRC Oaks (x7), Victoria Derby (x6).

1. James McDonald (137 Group 1 wins)

jamca — James McDonald winning the 2026 George Ryder Stakes with Autumn Glow. (Getty)

Group 1 wins include: Champions Sprint (x4), Caulfield Guineas (x3), Hong Kong Cup (x3), Melbourne Cup.

Most Australian Group Ones Jockey wins FAQ