IT was truly a Saturday to remember for Dane Dawkins as, with the large gathering at the ‘Park’ cheering his every flash of the whip, the soft-spoken rider booted home three winners to win his first jockeys’ championship at Caymanas Park.

Dawkins’ victories included a brilliant ride aboard the Ian Parsard-trained Mahogany who romped home in the third running of the $4-million Ian Levy Cup feature contest over 8 1/2 furlongs (1,700 m). The five-year-old chestnut gelding Mahogany won the three-year-old and upward Graded Stakes contest by five lengths in a time of 1:44.1.

After Mahogany took the lead early on, Dawkins slowed the pace and allowed I’ve Got Magic (Anthony Thomas) to set the early factions down the backstretch. Mahogany maintained his gallop well even though I’ve Got Magic upped the tempo while navigating the half-mile (800m) turn.

Mahogany made the decisive move when he surrounded horses entering the straight, and fought off all challengers to win easily at the wire ahead of stablemate Jordon Reign’s (Tevin Foster) and Excessive Force (Bebeto Harvey). Splits were 23.3 x 46.2 x 1:10.4 x 1:37.1.

Dawkins’ other winners were JNR Jones in the second race for trainer Michael Marlowe and Scooby in the 10th and final event for trainer Richard Azan.

“The feeling is really good, winning my first jockeys’ championship and doing it with three winners as well. I must thank God for the strength; all the trainers, owners, grooms, fellow riders, punters — everyone for their support and guidance throughout the year,” Dawkins said.

Dawkins entered the final race meet of the season with 100 winners, four ahead of defending champion Anthony Thomas on 96. In the end, Dawkins tallied 103 winners to take the jockeys’ title by five winners, as Thomas booted home two winners to finish on 98 wins. Thomas was successful aboard Zabratone for trainer Dennis Thwaites in the sixth race, and I Realise for trainer Alford Brown in the ninth race.

Michael Marlowe was the pick among the trainers with two winners. In addition to JNR Jones, Marlowe saddled Ras Emanuel (Omar Walker) in the BetMakers Holiday Bonanza Trophy #3.

Racing continues on Monday.

— Ruddy Allen