NewzTHEY call him “The Warrior Chief” for a reason. On a Monday, August 3, 2026 at Assiniboia Downs, Dane Nelson reminded everyone why his name is etched into Canadian racing after piloting 8-1 shot Western Warrior to victory in the CAN $125,000 Manitoba Derby. In a finish that demanded every ounce of fight he had, Nelson drove the Dino Condilenios-conditioned Western Warrior to a nose victory in the 1 1/8th mile race, displaying his grit, timing, and sheer will.
Coming from his main base at Century Mile for this one-off mount, Nelson, who is a three-time champion in Canada, broke Western Warrior sharply on the insider rails as he stalked the pace form fourth position. Nelson and Western Warrior continued to bide their time well throughout the race until they got an opening late on the final turn. Nelson found himself in a dogfight with Quarry (Damario Bynoe) in the final furlong of the race, heads bobbing and whip hand working, and in that moment, the Jamaican did what Jamaican riders do best as he out-toughed his rival 25-1 shot rival in the end.
Gethsemance (Antonio Whitehall) finished third in a final time of 1:54.0 (25.3 x 49.1 x 1:13.2 x 1:40.3). Nelson, who has over 1,200 winners in Jamaica, has so far ridden 505 winners across track in Canada including the famous Woodbine racetrack.
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