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Which Australian Jockey has the most Group One Wins?

Editor
Last updated: Mon 01 Jun 2026 09:56

James McDonald has etched his name in Australian racing history by becoming the jockey with the most Group 1 wins, reaching an impressive 131 victories. McDonald has surpassed the milestones of retired legends Damien Oliver and George Moore, who held significant records with 129 and 126 wins, respectively. His rapid accumulation of wins further solidifies his dominance in the sport. This feat highlights McDonald's prowess and marks a new era in horse racing achievements.

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
jockey australia
(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.

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)


bowman
Hugh Bowman riding Winx celebrates as he returns to scale after winning the 2019 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. (Getty)

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

Which Australian jockey has the most Group One wins?

James McDonald holds the Australian record of Group One wins with 137.

The last of those came in the 2026 Queensland Derby aboard Providence.

How many Group Ones has Michelle Payne won?

Michelle Payne has ridden 5 Group One winners.

That famously includes the 2015 Melbourne Cup on Prince Of Penzance

How many Group One races are there in Australia?

Australia has 74 Group One races throughout a season, which starts at the beginning of August each year and runs for 12 months.

How many Group Ones has James McDonald won?

James McDonald has ridden 137 Group One winners.

His latest Group 1 win was aboard Providence via the 2026 Queensland Derby.

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