James McDonald fights to have penalty reduced

James McDonald is set to appeal against a six-meeting suspension for careless riding that could prevent him from competing at the Golden Slipper meeting.

The appeal hearing is scheduled for Monday, and McDonald hopes to reduce his penalty period so he can ride on Slipper Day at Rosehill on March 18, which features five Group 1 races.

McDonald’s rides include some of the most promising horses in the industry, including Cylinder, the early favourite for the Golden Slipper, as well as Lost And Running, Pericles, and Anamoe.

However, his suspension resulted from causing interference to Look Only, ridden by Amy McLucas, when his mount, Cholante, shifted out just after the winning post at the Kensington meeting on Wednesday.

To participate in the upcoming event, McDonald requested to modify the start of his penalty period to begin on March 14, Tuesday, and end on March 24, Friday, which was granted on Thursday.

Nonetheless, stewards have yet to determine the availability of Appeal Panel members, delaying the timing of his appeal, which will take place at Racing NSW headquarters on Druitt Street.