Champion jockey Damian Lane could make a quiet return to Melbourne racing aboard Eloyou in the final race at Caulfield this Saturday.
Lane told RSN’s *Racing Pulse* on Wednesday that he’s unsure whether Eloyou, trained by close friend Scott Cameron, will take his place in the field.
Lane has not ridden in Melbourne since April 9, nor in Australia since April 12 at Randwick, having spent the past two months in Japan, where he delivered a stellar run of form. With 29 wins from 109 rides at a strike rate of 26.6 per cent, Lane finished 20th on the Japan Racing Association’s jockeys’ premiership.
His international success included Group 1 victories in both Hong Kong and Japan, complementing his eight G1 wins at home in the 2024–25 season.
Among his international triumphs, Lane took out the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) in Hong Kong aboard Tastiera and Japan’s prestigious Tenno Sho (3200m) at Kyoto.
Locally, Lane partnered with elite performers like Treasurethe Moment—winner of three Group 1s—as well as Via Sistina (Turnbull Stakes), Private Life (Caulfield Guineas), Marhoona (Golden Slipper Stakes), Joliestar (Newmarket Handicap), and Aeliana (ATC Derby).
Reflecting on the season, Lane said it had been the finest of his career.
“It was a great season. I think it was the best year in terms of amounts of Group 1s and significant Group 1s. The Caulfield Guineas, the Newmarket, the Golden Slipper, then to win at that level in Hong Kong and Japan. For the sheer amount and quality, it was definitely my best,” Lane said.
Set to be inducted into the Western Australian Racing Hall of Fame next month, Lane credited consistency as the key to his success.
“I’m rapt with the way the season went. Consistency is the key as you are only better than the next person because you make fewer mistakes,” he said.
“I was really proud of where my riding was getting to and I hope I can maintain that good level.”
Looking ahead, Lane is excited about the spring carnival and the return of some of his headline horses, including Treasurethe Moment.
“Over the next couple of weeks things start to ramp up as the good horses are back for jumpouts and trials. I’ll be there and keep my options open,” Lane said.
For punters eager to follow Lane’s return, odds and markets can be found across top betting sites.
