What was turning out to be a rather quiet Sunday afternoon at the races – with the odds-on favourite Deliciosa taking the first race – suddenly erupted by the time the sixth race was run into a show of superb reinsmanship by champion jockey Dane Nelson.

The champion jockey rode an astounding six winners from eight rides on the day to catapult himself into the lead by one in the battle with Omar Walker to win the jockeys’ championship. The day started with Nelson five winners behind Walker, but at the end the tables were turned in favour of the champion. He now has the momentum in the championship, and the mere fact that he defied racing odds to win six races is surely a strong statement of intent which Walker has to meet head-on if he is to challenge successfully to wrest the crown from Nelson.

Nelson fell behind on Saturday last after Walker rode three winners, but what scared his many fans was an apparent injury which forced him to stop riding after the sixth race. It was quite visible on Sunday that Nelson was somewhat restrained in using his right hand. Yet despite this injury he rode like a man possessed to reap his bountiful reward.

The champion jockey left the track for home immediately after he won his sixth race on Di Cobre, saying he was not feeling well. He will now have five days to recuperate before Saturday’s race day.

Commenting on his rare achievement of riding six winners, Nelson told the Complete Racing Guide that it was a really special occasion for him. “This has got to be the best racing day of my career. I have strong belief and despite a loss of form in midseason, I never gave up, and kept on trying and trying. It is not over as yet, but you can be sure I will be giving it my all. I really feel over the moon today (Sunday). Six winners in one race day is special, really special,” Nelson said.