Whyte (pictured) was officially acknowledged as the champion rider again at yesterday's celebrations, but the Durban Demon conceded that even yesterday's effort won't be enough to see him breach his own 114-win record this term.

"That's 110 today with Happy Valley on Thursday to go, but I think the record slipped away a couple of weeks ago when I had a blank at one meeting - you just can't afford those days if you want to set records - but I'm chuffed with how the season has gone," Whyte said.

"I was chuffed to beat Tony Cruz's record, to get 1,000 wins and to see one of my favourite horses back in Armada. I spent a lot of time on the bench this year with 14 meetings of suspension and two visits to Japan which saw me miss a meeting each time, so I'm very pleased to have won as many races as I have. There have been ups and downs, but there were more ups."

The South African's four winners yesterday saw him fend off Jockey Challenge threats from both Brett Prebble and Felix Coetzee during the day and the haul included a victorious treble for compatriot David Ferraris with wins by Little Big Boy, Supernova and Amazing Choice. Whyte also kept his unbeaten record on the Paul O'Sullivan-trained China Lujia.

"I've been doing quite a bit of work for David [Ferraris] in the mornings and he's been offering me a lot of rides and it's great to have such a good day for someone who is always a great supporter," Whyte said.

"I really enjoy riding for him and he's a trainer who really deserves his success - he's never shy to put in a good day's work."

Whyte was instrumental in Little Big Boy being closer to the lead than has been usual in his races and the four-year-old scrambled in first as a result.

"I said to David I'd like to be more positive on him and we managed to get a trailing position three wide and with cover and he gave me a few anxious moments before he won, but he found enough and did have a big weight - he wouldn't be the worst ride in Class Four with a light weight," Whyte said. But he was more positive about Supernova as he continued his climb up the ranks with a second successive win from five starts.

"I said last time he's a nice progressive horse. He had 133 pounds today and he's only a pony and then we got held up at the top of the straight. But he kicked well between horses and I do think they'll have some fun with him next season, especially when he gets over more distance." Whyte confessed that he owed Amazing Choice his win in the Success Partners Handicap.

"I went too soon last time and I'm the first to admit it," he said. "It was one of the few times David had to pacify me after a defeat!

"If I had waited longer he would have won and today I waited and waited. Then I thought I'd waited too long because I looked up and Jolly Wongchoy was five lengths in front, but he hit the brick wall and Amazing Choice accelerated well.

"I won on him in Class Five and he's now won his way into Class Three and I don't think it's over. He's got that little turn of foot that makes for a good bread and butter horse here."