Performer of the week: Nelson remains hot

Title-chasing reinsman Dane Nelson who rode three winners last Saturday to join champion Omar Walker at the top of the local jockeys' standing is Gleaner Sports' Performer of the Week. Starting the day on 40 wins, two behind Walker, Nelson won aboard MY SPACE in the first, CASHLEY in the eighth and CENTANNI in race nine to move to 43. Walker kept pace with one winner, DANCING SAM in the seventh event.

Walker has since regained the lead by one. He rode a three-timer (SKITTLE QUEEN, BURNING CIELO and RACING MACHINE) on Wednesday while Nelson had a double (MEDICAL ACCOUNT and LIGHT MY FIRE). Walker now has 46 wins to Nelson's 45.

This year's jockeys' championship is one of the closest in years and racing fans are being treated to some outstanding riding. The top two are followed by Paul Francis with 37 wins. Francis is riding in top form and could join or surpass Walker and Nelson later in the year. Walker is still, however, the favourite for the title as he is the number one rider in the barn of champion trainer Wayne DaCosta.