FOLLOWING Dane Nelson’s 300th career win on Canadian soil last Friday, the four-time Jamaican champion jockey credited his success to the hard work and dedication he has put in.

Nelson started riding on the Canadian circuit in 2015 and rode his first winner from his first ride, So King, for trainer Jack Robertson at the Assiniboia Down. He achieved his milestone aboard Slaats in the 37th running of the CAN$50,000 Count Lathum Stakes at the Century Mile racetrack.

Trained by James Brown, Slaats won the Handicap Stakes race for three-year-olds over 8½ furlongs by 1½ lengths.

Nelson started the day on 298 winners and won the opening event aboard Regal Max in an Allowance Optional Claiming race over one mile for Brown to set the stage for his landmark.

“Winning 300 races in Canada is a great accomplishment for any rider and for me, I am grateful and I am happy for this achievement. This is no easy task; it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and discipline to ride so many winners.

“I just want to build my brand and let everyone know about Dane Nelson. I am still learning and I am willing to learn more about my craft. I just want to thank all the trainers, owners, grooms, and all connections for their support up here and back home in Jamaica,” Nelson said.

Nelson, who was absent from the saddle for a couple of race days, went on to win four more races on the 10-race card on Saturday, for six winners over the weekend of racing.

With those victories Nelson took his tally to 33 winners, three wins behind Enrique Gonzalez (36 winners) in the race for the jockey’s championship.

“The aim is to win as many winners as possible and see where that takes me. I am riding in good form and I just want to continue. Hopefully I can remain healthy for the rest of the season.

“It is always a good experience riding overseas because every time you learn something new — and that helps in your development as a rider,” said Nelson.

— Ruddy Allen