THE deals are being brokered and the arrangements made as the countdown for the second running of the Diamond Mile on December 10 moves apace.

One intriguing pact that has been reached sees three-time champion jockey Dane “Warrior Chief” Nelson again teaming with trainer Richard Azan to partner the talented Franfield in the richest race on the local calendar.

“I am confirming that my horse Franfield will be ridden by no other than Dane Nelson in next month’s Diamond Mile Race.

“Nelson knows Franfield very well and I believe that he has a good chance of winning,” Azan told theComplete Racing Guide. Nelson will therefore replace apprentice Bebeto Harvey who rode Franfield in the Superstakes, finishing as the winner, but was later disqualified after the race was awarded to Bigdaddykool.

Nelson, who is scheduled to arrive in the island just days before the running of the Diamond Mile, said that he is looking forward to his return to Jamaica and is very excited about riding in the Diamond Mile.

“I will be riding at Caymanas Park on the Diamond Mile race day and I am really looking forward to it again. I am really excited as last year’s running was a very good one for racing, and I believe that this year’s renewal will be nothing less,” Nelson said in a telephone interview.

“I know my fans are eager to see me and I am eager to see everyone as well. It is always good to come back home and ride; this is where everything started for me,” he continued.

Nelson, who is currently riding at the famous Woodbine racetrack in Toronto, Canada, said that it was another good year for him riding in Canada.

“So far the experience has been good here. It is my second year riding in Canada and it has been really good. I managed to ride a total of 100 winners, including some Stakes races for the two years,” Nelson shared.

“Plus I came second in the Canadian Derby at Northlands Park which was won by Shamaree Muir. I finished second in the jockey’s championship at Northlands, which speaks volume of my capabilities. So it has been good. I am here riding at Woodbine at the moment, and although I am yet to get across the winning post in front, it is still a good experience.”

“I am still able to ride among some top international jockeys and I am learning from them and at the same time, I am improving on my skills.

“I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and I am doing my best in making good chances of them,” he said.