Damian Lane was born on February 6, 1994, in Bunbury, Western Australia, into a family deeply rooted in horse racing. With both his parents, Michael and Vickey Lane, being horse trainers, it was almost inevitable that Damian would follow in their footsteps. Immersed in the sport from a young age, he began his riding career in Western Australia in 2009 and quickly made a name for himself with his dedication, natural talent, and work ethic.
His breakthrough moment came in 2014 when he claimed his first Group One victory aboard Trust In A Gust in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield. That win marked the beginning of a remarkable rise, establishing Lane as one of Australia’s premier jockeys. Over the years, he has built an impressive resume of major victories, including the Caulfield Cup with Mer De Glace in 2019, the Golden Slipper Stakes with Kiamichi in the same year, and the W.S. Cox Plate with the Japanese-trained Lys Gracieux, also in 2019.
Lane’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level has earned him widespread respect and recognition. His success, however, has not been confined to Australia. In 2019, he ventured to Japan for a three-month stint, riding 37 winners and securing his first Japanese Grade 1 victory in the Victoria Mile aboard Normcore. He returned in 2020 and added another 41 winners to his tally. His most historic achievement came in 2023 when he won the Japanese Derby with Tastiera, becoming the first jockey from the Southern Hemisphere to win a Japanese classic race. His continued success in Japan, including wins in the Arima Kinen and Mile Championship, has made him a sought-after rider and a fan favourite in the country.
Lane’s popularity in Japan was further boosted by his association with champion stayer Lys Gracieux, and his consistent performances with Japanese-trained horses have solidified his reputation as a world-class jockey. In the 2023/2024 season, Lane secured his first Melbourne Metropolitan Premiership, riding 88 winners and finishing 13 wins clear of his nearest rival—a testament to his dominance and consistency.
His deep connection to horse racing stems from his upbringing, with his father Michael Lane being a well-known trainer. This early exposure to horses and racing shaped his understanding of the sport and laid the foundation for his career. Lane’s success is not only measured by his Group One victories but also by his overall riding record: from 11,443 starts, he has ridden 1,727 winners and 2,836 place-getters, boasting a win strike rate of 15% and a place strike rate of 40%.
Damian Lane’s career is a testament to his skill, dedication, and passion for horse racing. From his early days in Western Australia to his international triumphs in Japan, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to compete and win at the highest levels. With a growing list of achievements and a reputation that spans continents, Lane continues to be a prominent figure in the world of horse racing and a worthy candidate for the WA Racing Hall of Fame.
Major Wins (as of August 2025):