Jockey first past post for Victorian wins

South West-raised jockey Damian Lane is set to take a well-earned rest after a career-best season in the saddle.

The 24-year-old claimed a season-high 147 wins from 819 rides, winning 18 per cent of his races and earning more than $12 million in prizemoney.

Out of the 147 wins, 129 came in Victoria, meaning Lane claimed the most wins by a rider in the State, finishing five ahead of veteran jockey Linda Meech.

Lane also finished with 47 metro race wins in Victoria, finishing second to Craig Williams who claimed the metropolitan jockey premiership.

Across Australia, Lane finishes as the fifth best jockey, with WA champion rider William Pike claiming the top gong with 200 victories for the season.

Remarkably, Lane rode five group one wins, including victories on Tosen Stardom (Emirates Stakes and Toorak Handicap), El Dorado Dreaming (AJC Sires' Produce), Leicester (SA Derby) and Humidor (Makybe Diva Stakes) and rode 30 stakes winners for the season, the most in Australia.

Damian’s dad Michael Lane, who is a trainer based in the South West, said he was proud of his son’s efforts across what was a big season.

“He is a great ambassador for WA racing,” he said.

“It shows where you can end up if you apply yourself.

“He has taken his riding to another level this season and I don’t think it will stop here.”