KINGSTON, Jamaica – Last weekend, leading jockey Reyan Lewis watched as his main rival and current champion Dane Dawkins won six races over two consecutive race days, while Lewis remained winless. These victories allowed Dawkins to close the gap to 12 wins, as Lewis had begun the race days 18 wins ahead.
Dawkins' impressive performance stirred excitement among racing fans and his supporters, who saw it as a sign that he was intensifying his efforts to retain his title. However, being 12 wins behind Lewis at the start of Saturday, September 16, still meant Dawkins had much ground to cover in pursuit of a repeat championship.
Quick to respond, the determined Lewis made a bold statement on Saturday, September 16, 2003. Dominating the 10-race card that day, he secured five victories, signaling his intent to become the 2023 champion.
Lewis won the first race on three-year-old Phenomenal One—trained by Jason DaCosta—and followed with victory on Geolithic for trainer Peter-John Parsard. Dawkins then managed to break Lewis' winning streak with Rani Bangala for trainer Robert Pearson in the third race.
Undeterred, Lewis resumed his winning form in the seventh race with Wayne's Princess and continued with victories on Is That A Fact and Luksol—all horses trained by DaCosta.
By the end of Saturday, September 16, 2023, Lewis had reclaimed some lost ground: his overall win tally stood at 82 compared to Dawkins' 66—a lead of 16 wins. The thrilling rivalry between these two jockeys will undoubtedly continue, making for an exciting season ahead.
