DANE Nelson, who has retained the crown as champion jockey following the departure of main rival Dick Cardenas, said that although finishing the year without a Classic winner it was a great 2014 season as he had accomplished a lot.

Nelson was nine winners in front of Cardenas when the Panamanian departed the island earlier this month.

“I feel great…it is a wonderful feeling to be crowned champion jockey once again as this is my third consecutive title. I am just happy as the battle between me and Dick (Cardenas) was a close race and that is good for the sport and the racing fans in general. I am sorry to hear about his father as I was looking forward to the competition for the rest of year, but I am nonetheless happy with winning the championship,” Nelson told the Complete Racing Guide.

“There were a lot of ups and downs but it has been a great 2014 season for me. I went to Trinidad and Tobago to ride on three occasions where I rode five winners including a three-timer, so the season was a great for me. I am riding in good form and I just want to continue,” he added.

Nelson knows very well that success only comes with hard work.

“It hasn’t been that easy as I have been training really hard. To be successful you have to be dedicated and committed in whatever you are doing. Thanks to the trainers, owners, grooms, fans and everyone who has supported me on this championship journey,” he said.

The reigning champion jockey who did not ride a Classic winner this year said that riding over a 100 winners for the year was great accomplishment.

“In life, every jockey’s dream is to ride a Classic winner but unfortunately, I was not able to ride any this year but there were some good achievements for me instead. I had two five-timers, took triples and four-timers regularly and as a result, I was able to pass 100 winners. Not many jockeys are able to ride 100 winners in a year and for me to do so was good, this is a great achievement for me. It has elevated my career,” he declared.

Nelson trailed Cardenas for most of the start of the season, and was at one point five winners behind the former champion, but a blitz late in the year turned the tables for the man dubbed the ‘Warrior Chief’.

“The turning point in the championship for me came on November 8 (Superstakes Day), when I rode those three winners to go one ahead. It changed the situation and gave me a chance of winning and successfully defending my title as the champion jockey. I knew once I was in the lead heading into the last quarter of the year it would have been difficult to beat me,” said Nelson.

Nelson will start a four-day suspension tomorrow but will be available to ride on December 26 (Boxing Day).