Dane Nelson, a two-time champion Jamaican rider on the international riding circuit, believes that with the appropriate mindset, confidence, and drive to win he can defend his championship at the Century Mile racetrack in Edmonton, Canada.

Nelson had secured the jockey’s championship on September 1, 2023 when he booted a double to finish the season with 40 winners from 178 rides and CA$460,400. Jose Mariano Asencio finished second on 36 winners from 161 mounts, and Enrique Alonzo Gonzalez finished third with 31 winners from 168 mounts.

Nelson opened his championship defence with two winners on the first day of racing on May 4. Nelson won the fourth race aboard Bon Prix for trainer James Wyness, followed by Kulsum for trainer James Brown in the sixth. Nelson, who went winless last Friday (May 10) is third in the standings with two wins, behind Jose Asencio (three wins) and Natera Keihton (three wins).

“It’s a good idea to get started early. I mean, you have to position yourself early in order to have a decent opportunity. I intend to defend my title,” Nelson, who is a four-time champion jockey in Jamaica, told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“Winning a jockey championship is fantastic; I’ve done it twice. Defending them is preferable, and I wish to do so. I am working hard, and I would want to thank the owners, trainers, grooms, and everyone else for their encouragement and instruction.

“Success requires hard work, and I am eager to put in the effort to reach my goals,” said Nelson, who is also the current champion at Century Downs racing track in Alberta, Canada.

Bon Prix set the early pace from off the inside rails while being pressed by rivals.
Bon Prix shook off competitors and moved clear at the five-sixteenth marker to win by 1 ½ lengths ahead of Amusing Way (Tyler Walker) and
Estifraad (N’Rico Prescod). Bon Prix ran five furlongs in 58.27.

Kulsum tracked the leaders from close range on the inside rails early on. Nelson urged his mount vigorously at the seven-sixteenth marker and
Kulsum shifted to the outside of rivals and got up in time to beat
Distorted Rose (Jose Asencio) by a neck at the wire. The final time for five furlongs was 1:00.63.