Jason Collett, who rides in Sydney but represents his native New Zealand, and John Powell, who is Australian but rides for Singapore where he is based at, won two and one race respectively.

It was the veteran Powell who got on the board first with favourite Carlton Heights, in Race 3 before the younger Collett followed suit late with Ovation Award (Race 6) for trainer Gilbert Rousset and Silver Song for trainer Preetam Daby in the last (Race 9).

Collett was the only one of the 12 jockeys contesting the annual event on the Indian Ocean island to win a brace, but it is Mauritius champion jockey, Brazil's Manoel Nunes, who tops the leaderboard at the halfway point on 24 points thanks to one win (Greatfiveeight) and several placings, including three seconds that are worth 12 points (one win is worth nine points).

Collett lies in second place on 19 points while Powell's all-the-way win on Carlton Heights in Race 3 and a third place puts him on 11 points in eighth place.

With eight races set down for decision in the second Leg, the race is still wide open, especially as the first Leg saw a wide spread of eight jockeys score at least one win (see leaderboard below), with the remaining four still well in for a late rally given that they can mathematically still turn the tables provided they win two to three races on Sunday.

But Collett, who is at his first jockeys' series, would have the same designs.

"It's nice to get on board with two winners, even if Nunes is still in front, but to win the contest, I noticed from past editions that you need at least three to four winners," said Collett, whose father-trainer Richard came along with him.

"So, I still need a couple of winners and a few placings on Sunday."

A virtual unknown to Mauritian racegoers before, Collett has etched a favourable impression in just one afternoon with both trainers and fans alike.

The winning style was more or less identical for both winners – take the box-seat before angling out for the final assault up the famously short and uphill home straight of the 207-year-old Champ de Mars racecourse.

"Both horses drew a good barrier and had a soft run. The first winner (Ovation Award) was three back, and was a touch keen down the back, while the second winner (Silver Song) settled on the speed which was not overly strong," said Collett.

"We peeled off, and both came home really well to prevail at the finish, albeit the margin was quite small for the first winner.

"I did hear it was a tight track and they were dead right: it is a tight track, but there wasn't too much interference. I'm really happy with the way things have gone.

"It's been very hot out there but the crowd atmosphere is absolutely fantastic."

Powell, for one, is more familiar with the cheers and jeers from the famously fickle Mauritian public, having ridden there in the late 90s and early 2000s. The 49-year-old jockey was pleased he got more of the former from a crowd equally happy to see the old Champ de Mars acquaintance back to showcase his skills after 14 years.

"The crowd is still as passionate and as enthusiastic as ever. It was good to ride a winner here after so long," he said.

"The winner (Carlton Heights) was pulling my arms right off. I was a little worried, to be honest.

"But once I got him off the bridle, he quickened up very well, and won a nice race."

Trainer Amar Sewdyal, who was just a young upstart learning the ropes when Powell last rode in Mauritius, heaped praise on the experienced hoop's handling.

"Old is gold! I didn't have to tell John much. He knows the track, he is a professional and he rode the horse perfect," said Sewdyal.

"He was able to settle the horse and give him a breather, and didn't panic when the other horse (Jet Path) challenged him.

"He actually still had a second wind left in him. It was a perfect ride from John."

Collett also earned praise for his textbook rides - and for less orthodox reasons as well.

"I'm very happy two young jockeys named Jason won as my son's name is Jason, too," said Ovation Award's assistant-trainer Soodesh Seesurrun (saddled an earlier winner called Iditarod Trail under English jockey Jason Watson).

"It's great that the Club has invited young jockeys here as they represent the next generation.

"The horse had a few issues but a big thank you to the owners who have been very patient with him. We've spaced his runs and he's come on at the right time."

IJW 2019 Leaderboard after Day 1