Three-time champion jockey Dane Nelson departed the island yesterday for his second trip to Canada.

While in Canada, Nelson will first visit the Northlands Park racetrack in Edmonton before he makes another stop at the famous Woodbine racetrack in Toronto.

The Northlands Park race meet is scheduled to begin on May 6, and another Jamaican – former champion apprentice Shamaree Muir – will make his first appearance riding on Canadian soil. Muir left the island on Easter Monday. The Woodbine race meet is currently under way.

Nelson made a successful trip to Canada last year where he rode at Assiniboia Downs, Northlands Park, and Woodbine. He rode more than 50 winners.

Based on earnings, Nelson was ranked at 406 out of 1,523 jockeys riding in North America (USA, Canada and Puerto Rico) last year.

Nelson, popularly known as “The Warrior Chief”, pointed out the opportunities associated with riding abroad.

“There are more opportunities when you ride on the international stage. You will earn more money, as well as others will see your talent and maybe you can get invited to other tracks to ride,” Nelson told the Complete Racing Guide.

“It is going to be a great pleasure to go back to Canada to ride for the second time, and I hope I do well there again. This means a lot to me as I am being exposed to the world and many can see my talent and see that there are good riders in Jamaica,” he continued.

Nelson said that the experience riding in Canada last year was invaluable.

“Well, it was good experience riding overseas. It was a major boost to my career. Riding against different jockeys from all over and learning new tactics definitely assisted my development,” he said.

Nelson then gave the commitment that he will be back for the Jamaica Derby in June.

“Well, it is everybody’s dream to win a Derby and it is my dream as well. I am coming back to Jamaica to ride in the Derby,” he declared.