Nelson lands double but Walcott warms hearts with return

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EDMONTON, Canada – Jamaican Dane Nelson won twice on Thursday’s seven-race card at Century Mile to extend his great form but it was the return of champion jockey Rico Walcott which snatched all the headlines.

Barbadian Walcott, eight-time champion at recently-closed Northlands Park, has been sidelined since the end of last season after being diagnosed with a brain tumour on March 4 and then undergoing surgery on April 5.

However, he tasted action for the first time this year in race six when he saddled 3-1 chance For Cash, with whom he won the Alberta Breeders Classic two years ago.

The pair finished sixth in the mile contest, with 8-1 bet Shimshine taking victory after initial winner, longshot Primo Touch, was disqualified for interference.

Walcott’s agent Bob Fowlis said the rider had been working horses during the week and had been anxious to get back into the saddle.

“He still needs to lose some weight but he wants to ride,” said Fowlis.

Nelson, meanwhile, won race three with 3-1 choice Pearl of Knowledge, making all the running in a 4-½ furlong dash to beat the two-year-old Alberta-bred maidens by 3-½ lengths.

The season-leader returned to the winner’s circle in race seven over six furlongs with favourite Kasey’s Callin, again making all the running to turn back the three-year-old and upward maiden fillies and mares by 2-½ lengths. (CMC)