James McDonald has once again demonstrated why he is Sydney’s premier jockey, delivering a masterful ride to steer Congressman to victory in the opening race at Wyong.
The Snitzel colt was under pressure approaching the home turn in Wednesday’s Tab.com.au Handicap (1350m), struggling to keep pace with the leaders on the tight-turning circuit.
While it wasn’t the most polished victory, Chris Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth was pleased with the result.
A late lunge from the outside Congressman, sees the 2YO colt break the maiden for @cwallerracing with @mcacajamez on board!
pic.twitter.com/z3j47WqyU5 — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 19, 2025
“He took a while to warm up and really hit the line,” Duckworth told Sky Racing.
“This isn’t necessarily the track that would suit him. I think he’d prefer a longer straight and more of a build-up than what you’re afforded here, but it’s still good to get the job done.”
A $575,000 Inglis Easter Yearling purchase, Congressman is owned by Coolmore and was having his second start after finishing third to subsequent Black Opal Stakes winner King Of Pop at Warwick Farm last month.
The colt holds an entry for the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 5, but Duckworth believes Congressman will be even better as a three-year-old.
“He will be a beautiful miler as a three-year-old,” he said.
“Where we go from here is up to Chris and the team, but it’s nice to get the job done on the second time of asking.”
In the following race, well-bred three-year-old Olufsen made a promising start to his career with a determined win in the Beaveroo Plate (1100m).
Trained by Bjorn Baker, Olufsen is a full brother to Group 1 winner Ozzmosis and races in the navy and white colors of syndicators Darby Racing.
“He is a full brother to Ozzmosis, so he’s an exciting-bred horse,” Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton said.
“He took a little bit longer to get going than we’d hoped, but he put a performance together today, and there’s more upside to come.”