Taj Dyson’s steer job on Lord Shiva at Ascot on Wednesday was his tenth win of the season and arguably could be the most important of the year for the comeback jockey.
Leading Lord Shiva home for his mentor, Mitch Pateman, in the MCA Polytrack Handicap (1000m), Dyson claimed his first metro victory since returning to the saddle at the beginning of the year.
Dyson is steeped in racing bloodlines with his father, Paul, a former top jockey and his mum, Karen Kersley, a trainer and daughter of iconic Hall of Fame trainer, Fred Kersley.
Dyson stepped away from race riding in September 2023 with weight battles and a lack of winning opportunities stripping away his motivation and desire for riding.
Dyson left racing as an apprentice but resumed as a senior with maturity and a newfound commitment to diet reigniting his drive and competitive instincts.
He was immediately back into the swing of riding when booting home Mocha Dream from last at Albany in January, his first official meeting back as a jockey.
Dyson wants to build on Lord Shiva’s win and keep the momentum rolling, a pickup ride after regular jockey Holly Watson was indisposed.
An emotional Dyson said a lot of people have been behind his comeback including Pateman, who battled his own weight demons when a jockey.
Dyson said to be able to repay Pateman’s faith makes the win taste even sweeter.
“I’m loving it,” Dyson said about his comeback.
“I left and didn’t think I’d be coming back.
“Mitchell (Pateman) played a big part in this and so did my girlfriend, actually.
“I have to thank all of them for getting me to where I am now.
“That meant a lot, I’m getting a bit emotional thinking about it.
“I‘ve got to thank Holly (Watson), it was her race ride.”
Dyson had Lord Shiva sitting second and on the flank of Elsa’s Pride before kicking clear at the top of the straight.
Strong to the line, he won at his maiden outing for Pateman, holding at bay Anaballistic and Costazita.
Although disappointed Watson missed out, Pateman said he was thrilled to have Dyson involved in the gelding’s win.
“Once Holly couldn’t ride him I was pretty happy to put Taj on,” Pateman said.
“Knowing myself when I was pretty heavy riding all you need is the opportunities.
“He’s been riding incredibly well with limited opportunities, so very happy he could get the job done for us.”
Julio Santarelli