McDonald storms home for first Ascot win

James McDonald (r) has ridden the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Expert Eye to win at Royal Ascot.

James McDonald says he was left “speechless” after powering home on 8/1 shot Expert Eye to take out the group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Former Godolphin jockey McDonald, who returned from a 18-month betting ban last month, powered through the field in the 1400m contest to win by five lengths ahead of Society Power (8/1) and Could It Be Love (11/2).

It was a day to remember for Expert Eye’s trainer Sir Michael Stoute, who earlier broke the record for most Royal Ascot winners with his 76th success.

“He felt like a rocket ship,” McDonald said. “He settled a bit further back than I’d have liked bit picked up very good.

“I can’t put it into words, I’m really speechless. I never thought 18 months ago I’d be here at Royal Ascot.”

McDonald, unplaced earlier in the day on Curiosity down the straight mile of the Britannia Stakes, will ride the fancied Equilateral in Friday’s Commonwealth Cup.