CHAMPION trainer Wayne DaCosta responded to the statement of intent posted by his main rival Anthony Nunes with a dazzling triple yesterday as the 2015 season continued with a nine-race programme at Caymanas Park.

Nunes set the rivalry ball rolling with three winners on New Year’s Day, only for the 14-time champion to post his own triple yesterday, Seeking My Dream, Striking Distance and Rio Cobre. All of DaCosta’s winners were ridden by apprentice Shamaree Muir with two; Seeking My Dream and Rio Cobre, owned by Jamaica Labour Party, Member of Parliament, Derrick Smith. Nunes had one winner on the day, Wright Way.

“It is always good to win races, and I am just happy with the three races today (yesterday). I hope that the winning trend continues as I am looking for a great year,” DaCosta said.

The speedy American-bred Rio Corbe produced an impressive run to win an Overnight Allowance event for three-year-olds and upwards over 1,100 metres. Sent off as the 8-5 favourite in a field of 11 runners, Rio Cobre was off to his usual fast start but was held in third position by Muir behind Sunlight Express (Orlando Foster up) and Runjohnny Run under Paul Francis.

Turning for home alongside Sunlight Express, who refused to give in, a head-to-head battle for supremacy developed, with Muir keeping his mount well balanced as Rio Cobre found extra to get home by a head. Red Flag (Richard Mairs astride) was third. Rio Cobre covered the distance in a smart 1:06:0 minutes behind splits of 23:0 and 45:4 seconds.

Muir, who was riding his first triple since he started his career in 2012, said that it was a special moment for him.

“Wow!… Right now words can’t explain the feeling as I am really happy to win my first triple. All of my hard work and dedication are paying off, and I want to thank trainer DaCosta for making this possible. It is a special moment which I will treasure forever,” the 20-year-old Muir told the Sunday Observer.