Bigdaddykool and Houdini’s Magic both gave outstanding performances in the second running of the Diamond Mile on Saturday to finish second and third, respectively.

Trained by Anthony Nunes, Bigdaddykool (Dick Cardenas) and Houdini’s Magic (Linton Steadman) were kept off the early pace and came running on in the straight to finish as they did.

“I am very pleased and very happy with the performances of Bigdaddykool and Houdini’s Magic.

“Both ran their best and were beaten by a better horse on the day.

“While it is always the intention of every trainer to win such a race as the Diamond Mile – especially when you are involved in a trainers’ championship to finish second and third is not bad at all, and I give thanks,” Nunes said.

While most pundits agreed that the three-year-old Bigdaddykool – after his win in the St Leger and the Superstakes – would make his presence felt in the Diamond Mile, not many were predicting that Houdini’s Magic would have hit the board. Nunes, however, believed in the quality of his four-year-old dark brown colt by Performing Magic – Milestone.

“Houdini’s Magic was very unfortunate to have lost the Invitational Mile on Superstakes Day in early November when finishing third by half-a-length after a very rough trip, but was later promoted to second.

“Before the Diamond Mile on Saturday, Houdini’s Magic was working quite well and a good run was on the cards, as far as I was concerned. “The distance of a mile is to his liking, and while I had some fears because he was drawn at post position number one, however, Houdini’s Magic, this time, had a virtually trouble-free trip, and finished third of the 16 best horses right now in training. He was well-ridden by the apprentice Linton Steadman.

“As for Bigdaddykool, he does what he does best, and that is to deliver his main effort in the final three furlongs of his races. Certainly now, Bigdaddykool has clearly established himself as the top three-year-old for 2016. Second in the Diamond Mile as a three-year-old is nothing to scoff at,” the trainer said.

Going forward, Nunes informed that both Bigdaddykool and Houdini’s Magic will be entered for the 12-furlong Harry Jackson Memorial Cup on Boxing Day, December 27. The Harry Jackson and the Jamaica Derby are the only two races run over 12 furlongs at Caymanas Park.

“It is my intention to enter both Bigdaddykool and Houdini’s Magic in the Harry Jackson on Boxing Day.

“Following the Harry Jackson it will be a time of rest for both, and thereafter preparations will begin for their 2017 campaigns,” Nunes indicated.

Commenting on the Diamond Mile race day itself, Nunes hailed the day as a fantastic one which has significantly helped to revive the fortunes of horse racing. He also wished for more race days like the Diamond Mile Day.

“There is no doubt that the Diamond Mile race day has captured the hearts and imagination of many people, even those without a connection to horse racing.

“I was not able to really enjoy the happenings on the infield, as I had many horses to saddle on the day, but the excitement and vibes generated, the response from the large crowd on hand, and the close finishes made for a really special day.

“The wish now is for many more race days like the Diamond Mile Day,” declared Nunes.