Jockey Justin Stein claims 1st Prince of Wales Stakes win aboard Duke of Love

Justin Stein has his first Prince of Wales Stakes win.

The veteran jockey rode Duke of Love to victory in the $400,000 race, the second jewel of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, at Fort Erie Racetrack on Tuesday afternoon.

"It feels amazing," he said afterwards. "It was just awesome."

Duke of Love won the 1 3/16-mile dirt race in 1:58.07 on a sunny afternoon. But Stein had to wait for his victory to become official as there was a steward's inquiry at the end, but no changes were made to the order of finish.

"Duke broke really well," Stein said. "His stride was comfy right away, I wasn't worried about the dirt at all.

"We had a nice clean trip on the outside, he got to relax. On a track like this there's even more kickback when it's heavy and wet and sloppy. It makes it a lot easier for the horse if they can get a clean trip and they're not having to think about running into that slop. We had a dream trip."

Stein said he wasn't sure about why there was an inquiry.

"I was set up and I was in position and I never heard any communication from the jockeys and riders behind me," he said. "You know, pulling out there was a loose horse coming around the turn and I was hoping everyone was OK."

WATCH | Stein guides Duke of Love to victory at Prince of Wales Stakes:

Sir for Sure, the early 7-5 favourite, went out of the race after losing jockey Declan Carroll. There was no indication either of Carroll's condition or what led to him being unseated.

But afterwards, Carroll took to social media to say he and his horse are fine.

"Thank you to everyone for reaching out and checking in on me," Carroll tweeted. "Fortunately, came out unscathed.

"Most importantly Sir For Sure will be back. We will live to fight another day."

Thank you to