After two months into the season, the 2025 jockeys’ championship has heated up, with Shane Ellis riding two winners on Sunday, February 23 to tie for the lead. Ellis, who exudes confidence, is now ready to do whatever it takes to emerge victorious.

Ellis’s winners on the day were Musketoon in the sixth race for trainer Paul Hylton and Tiz Tok for trainer Anthony “Baba” Nunes in the ninth and final event.

Musketoon dominated the four-year-old and upward Option Claiming ($350,000-$250,000) race, winning by 3 ½ lengths in 1:17.0 over 6 furlongs (1,200m).

Tiz Tok, meanwhile, delivered an impressive performance in the $2-million Lloyd Lindbergh “Lindy” Delapenha Memorial Trophy, winning by 6 ¼ lengths in 1:39.0 over one mile (1,600m).

With these two victories, Ellis has taken his season tally to 14 winners from 43 mounts, tying him with Robert Halledeen, who has had 50 mounts. Reigning champion Raddesh Roman is just three winners behind on 11 winners (43 mounts), while Dane Dawkins rounds out the top four with 10 winners (44 mounts).

Ellis, known for his hard work and dedication, is now focused on claiming the championship title.

“If I’m still here riding and the championship is within my reach, I’ll definitely go for it,” Ellis, who had won the championship two times before in 2000 and 2015, told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide. “I’m a hard worker, and putting in the effort is no problem for me. If it’s achievable, I’ll give it my all.”

— Ruddy Allen