The Complete Racing Guide (CRG) spoke with champion trainer Wayne DaCosta (WD) about his time in horse racing after reaching the milestone of 1,950 wins, the most wins by a trainer in Jamaica’s history. DaCosta joined Philip Feanny who is also on 1,950 wins.

CRG: Which is the best horse you have ever trained?

WD: Wow! That is difficult to answer, very difficult. There is the filly Thornbird, War Zone who won the Triple Crown, Mr Sensational, Blast Them Away, Little Country Boy, Seeking My Dream, Perfect Neighbour, Good Prospect, Poker Star and others. Very difficult to choose. What I will say is that of the lot I have trained, Perfect Neighbour is the most versatile, in my estimation. If you ask me which is the best foreign horse I have ever had in my barn, that is easy – Little Country Boy.

CRG: Your greatest moment in racing to date?

WD: There have been many great moments. Thornbird winning the Derby in 1984, War Zone – the Triple Crown in 1996, but… if I am forced to choose a moment, I would say winning the first Diamond Mile last year with Seeking My Dream. The Diamond Mile is the richest race on the calendar by far. It was probably the most and best promoted race ever at Caymanas – the buzz, the aura, the mystique were all there, and to win that race with a three-year-old was really special for me.

CRG: Your greatest disappointment?

WD: Well, I can tell you there have been many disappointments. Sometimes you prepare a horse and the perceived performance does not occur. Greatest disappointment? Thinking about it… that would have to be not winning the Superstakes. I have come close, but the Superstakes still remains the only major race that has eluded me but I am still trying. In terms of horses, one of my lowest moments was when the talented Run Tat Run died. She easily won the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes and was unbeaten as a two-year-old. Run Tat Run was ready for glory at three, but it was not to be.