Canadian-based Nelson notches 50th win this season
FOLLOWING his 50th winner for the season at Century Mile in Edmonton, Canada, on Saturday, former four-time Jamaican champion jockey Dane nelson says he will continue to do the hard work as he chases more success on the international horse racing circuit.
Nelson reached the mark in the seventh race when he booted home the Jerri Robertson-conditioned Gold’s Up in a maiden claiming race for three year olds and upwards over one mile.
Gold’s Up raced six wide into the opening turn of the two-turn event and tracked the leaders from outside through the backstretch. Gold’s Up gave chase in the final turn before hitting the front into the stretch and went on to win by a length in the end in a time of 1:40.01.
“Like I always say, nothing beats hard work. I have been putting in the hard work and I am so happy that I can reap success. To win 50 races or more in one season against some very talented riders says well for your development.
“I must say thank you to the trainers, connections, and everyone who has been supporting me over the years,” Nelson told the Jamaica observer. Nelson said his aim build his brand. “I am still learning and will never stop learning. I want to be the best that I can be and will continue to push myself to do better. I want everyone everywhere to know about Dane Nelson,” he said.
Nelson was the toast of the previous weekend after producing two fine rides to capture both major stakes races on the 10-race card on September 24.
Nelson guided home the Robertino Diodoro-conditioned 3-5 favourite Soy Tapatio in the CAN$50,000 Don Getty Handicap, a black type stake race for three year olds and upwards over one and one-eighth miles. Soy Tapatio sat in second place for most of the way, took on the leader at the far turn, and hit the front hard at the top of the lane. Soy Tapatio went on to win easily by 7 1/4 lengths in 1:48.81, just a fraction slower than the track record of 148.73.
The bustling Nelson then won aboard 5-2 betting option Dance Shoes in the CAN$50,000 RK Red Smith Handicap, a black type race for fillies and mares, three-year-old and upwards, also over one and one-eighth miles. Nelson held the James Brown trainee in third place in the four-path for most of the way. Dance Shoes was then fanned three wide in the far turn and gained a slim lead nearing the quarter pole and held on to win by a length in the end. The final time was 1:50.73.
“It is just nice to win races — and it is even better when you win stakes races as you will be recognised more for your talent,” Nelson said