One of Caymanas Park’s top jockeys, Dane Dawkins, has confirmed that this weekend’s running of the 1000 and 2000 Guineas will be his final rides in Jamaica for the foreseeable future, as he prepares to leave for Canada to resume riding at Assiniboia Downs.

Dawkins, who has ridden 17 winners from 84 rides so far this season, currently sits fifth in the local jockeys’ championship. The standings are currently led by reigning champion Raddesh Roman, who has tallied an impressive 47 wins from 164 mounts.

“After the Guineas, I will be going to Canada and I am looking forward to going there because the season ends in October and so I will be there for about five months,” Dawkins told the Jamaica Observer’s The Racing Guide. “I am feeling comfortable right now because my mind is focused and my body is fit, and so everything is okay with me right now. I must give God thanks for that.”

Dawkins, who rode 26 winners at Assiniboia Downs last year to finish seventh in their jockeys’ standings, is aiming to go even better this time around. However, he admits that with a month of racing already gone in the Canadian season, it will be an easy task.

“My plan is to win the championships over there, but a month of racing has already gone, so I have a lot of catching up to do whenever I get there,” Dawkins shared. “My mind is fully focused and so the only thing that I am going there to do is win races and make money.”

With a renewed sense of determination and gratitude, Dawkins is heading into his Canadian campaign with high hopes and clear goals.

“Yes, I am hoping to better that number from last year, but riders are already winning so it is not going to be easy. It is going to be a little tough, but I just have to do what I have to do whenever I get there.”