Many-time champion jockey Dane “Warrior Chief” Nelson is confirming that he will return to Caymanas Park this year, with the US$250,000 Mouttet Mile (invitational) as the major goal. Nelson last rode at Caymanas Park in the early part of 2022.

With the Mouttet Mile drawing major international interest, Nelson said that the biggest party in local horse racing won’t miss him this time. This year’s Mouttet Mile is scheduled to take place on December 7.

“This year is not missing me. I am coming to Caymanas Park to ride. The Mouttet Mile — this one is not missing me. The race is in December, but I want to come earlier,” Nelson told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“Caymanas Park is home, and there’s no place like home. I am always happy whenever I get the opportunity to ride at Caymanas Park. I watched the first two Mouttet Mile races, and the races were very exciting and enjoyable.

“Right now, the Mouttet Mile is the most talked about race. Everyone wants to win it. I will be here, and hopefully, I can get a ride in the race and be able to get the job done,” he added.

Nelson, who has won four local jockey titles, is no stranger to winning big races. As a part of his many victories at the Park, Nelson won aboard
She’s A Maneater in the 2017 Diamond Mile, the biggest race in the Caribbean at the time.
She’s A Maneater won by 6 ¾ lengths in a time of 1:36.4 for one mile.

“Entering any race, the question of being nervous does not arise, as I have been riding since 2002. I have overcome that fear already, and all that I had to do was use the skills I have developed over those years and put them to good use,” Nelson explained.

Nelson has won two jockey titles since he started to ride in Canada.

He won his first jockey’s championship at Century Mile Racetrack in Edmonton, Canada, on Friday, September 1, 2023. Then he finished the season with 40 winners from 178 rides and earnings of Can$460,400.

He then added his second international jockeys’ championship title after dominating in the one-month race meet at Century Downs in Calgary, Canada. Nelson finished with 18 winners in the September 9–October 29 race meet.

“What can I say? I am just happy and grateful for everything at the moment. This is an amazing feeling. I mean, two championship titles in one year is just magnificent. This shows off the hard work and dedication that I have put into the profession. I will continue to do the hard work, as success only comes with hard work,” Nelson said.

Nelson has career statistics of 1,614 winners, of which 1,217 were achieved at Caymanas Park, 392 in Canada, and five in Trinidad and Tobago.