A champion’s spirit prevails, as Tron Bolt, under the masterful guidance of James McDonald, secured victory in the Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm. This win also saw McDonald surpass Malcolm Johnston’s long-standing record for the most group one victories in a single season in Australia.
With 141 group one wins already to his name, McDonald’s 17 victories in the 2025/26 season now sets a new benchmark.
“I feel very humbled and privileged to be in this position,” McDonald stated. “To ride horses like that who give me great rides, I thought he was exceptional today. It is nice to stand alone.”
The Chris Waller-trained Tron Bolt ($1.80 favourite) demonstrated resilience, fending off the challenge from Cormier ($11), piloted by Aaron Bullock, by a length. Waller’s other charge, Stormy Marco ($14), finished third.
“You’d think that James McDonald would hand up just one group one, wouldn’t you,” Bullock remarked humorously after the race.
This marks a significant achievement for the Waller stable, being their fourth triumph in the JJ Atkins, following previous wins with Pressday (2010), Press Statement (2015), and The Autumn Sun (2018).
The Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) is being eyed as a potential spring target for Tron Bolt.
“With (stud) values, you always try and win something shorter like a Golden Rose at our home track,” Waller elaborated. “We try and use the Golden Rose as a steppingstone to either a Coolmore Stud Stakes up the (Flemington) straight, but for this horse’s example it would be more a Caulfield Guineas.”
McDonald, who also won the Atkins on Broadsiding in 2024, shared his insights on the differences between the two colts.
“Broadsiding was a bit spunkier,” McDonald recalled. “He was the real deal. This one, he’s a bit sleepy but he’s alive when you really want him to and that is the great thing about this horse. You can put him to sleep. He does what he needs to do and he’ll wake up.
“A little bit chalk and cheese but he’ll reach great heights, this horse. A bit of furnishing to do but he’ll come on immensely. He’s very adaptable and he’s got a bright future.”
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