For former four-time Jamaican champion jockey Dane Nelson, his triumph aboard She’s A Maneater in the 2017 US$115,000 Diamond Mile race stands out as a shining moment in his illustrious career.

This unforgettable victory not only showcased Nelson’s remarkable skill, intelligence, and experience but also solidified his position as one of the all-time greats in Jamaican racing history.

Nelson patiently held She’s A Maneater against the inside rails off the early pace, waiting for the perfect moment to make his move. As the field approached the half-mile mark, Nelson asked his mount to go, and She’s A Maneater responded eagerly, rounding horses on the inside before switching outside and powering home to a convincing win.

She’s A Maneater, who was trained by the late Wayne DaCosta, won the one-mile event in a time of 1:36.4 which was two-fifths of a second off the Stakes record of 1:36.2 done by her stable champion Seeking My Dream, who had won the first two Diamond Mile races in the same time.

Nelson, who has over 1,200 winners locally and over 400 winners internationally, described the moment as “treasured” and “wonderful,” saying he felt like Superman. He praised She’s A Maneater as one of the greatest horses to race at Caymanas Park.

“It [Diamond Mile] was the biggest race of the year back then before the Mouttet Mile came in. I was so happy that day. It was a wonderful and amazing feeling when I won the Diamond Mile,” Nelson told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“She’s A Maneater was a really great horse, one of the best to race at Caymanas Park. I have ridden so many winners in so many big races, but the victory aboard
She’s A Maneater is a moment that will live with me for a very long time.

“It was a tremendous day for me as I won a total of four races that day. I won three races for [Wayne DaCosta] and one for trainer Errol Waugh and I am forever grateful,” Nelson added.

Nelson’s success aboard She’s A Maneater was not solely due to the horse’s talent, however. His own experience and skill played a significant role in the win. With over 20 years of riding experience, Nelson had developed the expertise to navigate the complexities of the race. He knew when to hold back and when to push forward, expertly manoeuvring She’s A Maneater to avoid traffic and secure a clear path to victory.

For Nelson, the win was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. He had overcome nerves and self-doubt, developing a deep understanding of himself and his abilities. The victory was a testament to his growth as a jockey and his ability to perform under pressure.

“I’ve been riding since 2002, therefore I don’t feel nervous about participating in races. I overcame my fear by applying the abilities I developed over the years,” said Nelson, who also have two jockeys’ championship titles on the international riding circuit..

“My job as the pilot is to take my ride where there is safe passage and to manoeuvre without causing any interference, and so I have no fear of running into traffic,” the 40-year-old Nelson added.

She’s A Maneater wasn’t the best out of the starting gates at the off, but instead of rushing her down to find a striking position, Nelson, who was riding her for the first time, held her against the inside rails for the first half of the race.

As expected, speedsters Talented Tony K and Sir Budget went at each other on the lead, with Money Magnet, Choo Choo Blue and Will In Charge their closest pursuers. At that time She’s A Maneater was some 12 lengths behind in eighth position.

Everyone thought that Nelson would have urged the bay filly to get closer approaching the five and a-half fur long (1,100m) point, but he sat there and allowed three horses to go by him, thereby losing valuable ground to the leaders who were running like scared hares. Little did racing fans know that Nelson was waiting for an opening rather than being trapped on the inside rails.

Swinging into the half mile (800m) and going towards the final bend, Nelson asked his mount to go and She’s A Maneater slowly began to round horses on the inside rails before Nelson switched her outside, going five wide on the turn.

Now with a clear run between horses in deep stretch, She’s A Maneater powered home, winning convincingly.

“My job as the rider is to take my mount where there is safe passage and to manoeuvre without causing any interference, and so I have no fear of running into traffic. I just rode her according to how she was running,” Nelson said.