Shane Ellis profitable aboard Musketton within the sixth race on Sunday, February 23, 2025. (Photograph: Karl Mclarty)
February 28, 2025
After two months into the season, the 2025 jockeys’ championship has heated up, with Shane Ellis using two winners on Sunday, February 23 to tie for the lead. Ellis, who exudes confidence, is now able to do no matter it takes to emerge victorious.
Ellis’s winners on the day had been Musketoon within the sixth race for coach Paul Hylton and Tiz Tok for coach Anthony “Baba” Nunes within the ninth and last occasion.
Musketoon dominated the four-year-old and upward Choice Claiming ($350,000-$250,000) race, profitable by 3 ½ lengths in 1:17.0 over 6 furlongs (1,200m).
Tiz Tok, in the meantime, delivered a powerful efficiency within the $2-million Lloyd Lindbergh “Lindy” Delapenha Memorial Trophy, profitable by 6 ¼ lengths in 1:39.0 over one mile (1,600m).
With these two victories, Ellis has taken his season tally to 14 winners from 43 mounts, tying him with Robert Halledeen, who has had 50 mounts. Reigning champion Raddesh Roman is simply three winners behind on 11 winners (43 mounts), whereas Dane Dawkins rounds out the highest 4 with 10 winners (44 mounts).
Ellis, recognized for his exhausting work and dedication, is now targeted on claiming the championship title.
“If I’m nonetheless right here using and the championship is inside my attain, I’ll positively go for it,” Ellis, who had gained the championship two instances earlier than in 2000 and 2015, instructed the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Information. “I’m a tough employee, and placing within the effort isn’t any drawback for me. If it’s achievable, I’ll give it my all.”
— Ruddy Allen
