In a surprise move, former champion jockey Dane Nelson has been confirmed to ride the Rohan Crichton-trained Commandant in the prestigious 2024 Mouttet Mile. Nelson, currently on winter break from his overseas assignment in Canada, was initially without a ride in the season’s premier event.

The change in ridership comes after US-based Paco Lopez was provisionally suspended by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) for striking a horse with a crop after a race at Parx racetrack on December 3, 2024. Lopez’s suspension prompted
Commandant’s connections to seek a new rider, and Nelson’s wealth of experience made him an ideal choice.

In a statement posted on X, HISA said the suspension is effective immediately and that it would “proceed under an expedited timeline through HISA’s adjudication process.”

Nelson’s partnership with Commandant adds an exciting dimension to the already highly anticipated Mouttet Mile set for tomorrow. With his wealth of experience and proven track record, Nelson is expected to bring a high level of expertise to the saddle, potentially giving Commandant a significant edge in the competition.

Nelson, a four-time local jockey champion, has a proven track record of success in big races. One of his most notable victories came in the 2017 Diamond Mile, where he rode
She’s A Maneater to a dominant 6 ¾-length win in a time of 1:36.4.

When asked about his approach to big races, Nelson explained, “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 has enjoyed significant success in Canada, winning two jockey titles since his move overseas.

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. He failed to defend both titles this year.

His career statistics boast an impressive 1,656 winners, including 1,217 at Caymanas Park, 439 in Canada, and five in Trinidad and Tobago.

With Nelson’s expertise and Commandant’s talent, this new partnership is expected to make a significant impact in the 2024 Mouttet Mile.