Speaking at the toast for winners on Saturday last, Derrick Smith, owner of Diamond Mile winner Seeking My Dream, dedicated the win by his outstanding thoroughbred to trainer Wayne DaCosta. Last year, Smith dedicated his Diamond Mile victory to his wife of 47 years at the time, Karleen.

“Wayne DaCosta is somebody else. Not only is he the trainer of my horses for a very long time, he is also a friend, a friend of the family and a very dedicated and highly competent horseman.

“One of his best assets is his ability to communicate with owners exactly what is happening with their horses. He calls regularly to inform of the progress of horses, and that is a very gratifying trait which I really respect,” Smith said, talking with the Complete Racing Guide.

Smith, who has owned horses for close to 50 years, did not hide his very close relationship with DaCosta.

“I have been with Wayne for a very long time during which we have had some good horses: Mr Sensational,Spectacular Run, and in the early days of the claiming system, Pax Te Cum, yet winning the Derby eluded us. That was rectified, that situation, last year with Seeking My Dream, who went on to win the first Diamond Mile which I then dedicated to my wife, Karleen.

“This year, although doing well, Seeking My Dream faltered in the Gold Cup and the Superstakes. Wayne then decided to alter Seeking My Dream’s regular training pattern and we all saw the result on Saturday.

“Truly dedicated to his chosen profession, I am dedicating this 2016 Diamond Mile victory to champion trainer and champion trainer elect for 2016, Wayne DaCosta,” an emotional Smith said.