Three-time champion jockey Dane Nelson rode the first triple of the season on the nine-race programme at Caymanas Park on Sunday.

Nelson started in the first race when he piloted the Patrick Lynch -conditioned Dwayne Star to a two-and-a-half length victory over Legal Account (Omar Walker) and Action Man (Bebeto Harvey) in a Restricted Allowance event over 1,000 metres straight.

He then followed up in the sixth race with a really good ride on Will In Charge, who got home by one-and-a-half lengths ahead of Golden Glory (Aaron Chatrie) and Mr Doitbetta (Bebeto Harvey) in a maiden condition event over 1,600 metres for trainer Robert Pearson.

Nelson’s third winner came in the ninth and final event when he guided El Numero Uno for owner and trainer Lawrence Freemantle to victory over Change Him Name (Robert Halledeen) in a $210,000-$200,000 claiming tag over 1,300 metres.

“To win the first three-timer for the year is a very good feeling. I have been riding in good form and I just want to continue doing so. I am working really hard as well, and I hope more winners can come,” Nelson told The Complete Racing Guide.

With those three winners, Nelson has now ridden 898 career wins, while taking his tally to nine winners for the season to go atop the jockeys’ standing. Omar Walker, who was winless, is second on seven winners – one ahead of defending champion Shane Ellis, who was also winless, on six winners.

— Ruddy Allen