The air was electric at Caymanas Park on Saturday, December 13, 2025 as two of Jamaica’s finest jockeys went head-to-head in the Ahwhofah Trophy feature race.

Four-time local and three-time international champion Dane “Warrior Chief” Nelson and current champion Raddesh “Sneaky Fox” Roman put on a show for the ages, with Nelson’s patient ride on
Atlantic Convoy edging out Roman on Zulu Warrior by a neck in a heart-stopping finish in the Overnight Allowance contest going 6 furlongs (1,200m).

The battle was fierce, with the two horses, along with Miniature Man (Abigail Able), locked in a struggle for supremacy down the stretch. Nelson’s masterful handling of Atlantic Convoy, a horse that had taken a year to return to winning form, was a testament to his skill and experience.

“It was a very interesting win,” Nelson told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“Atlantic Convoy took a year to win back a race…I won on him last year and then I came back and won on him again this year, and I guess this means that this horse really loves me. I got a good agent and I got good rides and so it is always good to win races.” Nelson added.

But Nelson was quick to praise his opponent.

“This race showed that this kid [Raddesh Roman] can ride. He is very powerful and he is a very good rider,” he said.

“I knew I had him beaten, but he got me out. I had to ride harder than normal. Riders like Raddesh Roman, they are the future, and so you have to bring them on, you have to treat them like how they need to be treated,” Nelson stated.

Roman was visibly disappointed, but gracious in defeat.

“He gave a very good ride,” Roman said of Nelson. “As you know, Dane Nelson is one of the best riders in Jamaica, and so it is like that as the race turned out in his favour,” Roman said.

“Crossing the finishing line Dane was like, “You’re a big jockey because I caught you a long time and you were finding extra and that was why you are the champion out here.”

“I lost the race but I don’t lose anything in defeat because I think I did my very best. Somebody had to win the race and Dane just got the better of me. He also brought out the best me. As you know, he is a Canadian citizen now and so it will be more like part-time riding in Jamaica, but it is always a pleasure when Dane Nelson is here to ride against him,” Roman noted.

Trainer Kibbeisha Litte (left), Dane Nelson’s wife Christina (second left) and other connections celebrate the win by Atlantic Convoy (Dane Nelson) in the Ahwhofah Sprint on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

ROMAN…I lost the race but I don’t lose anything in defeat because I think I did my very best,