The hoofprints of the truly gifted filly She’s A Maneater are now forever cemented in the pantheon of the greatest- ever horses to race at Caymanas Park after her glorious and impressive victory in the 10-furlong (2,000m) Burger King Superstakes yesterday.

She’s A Maneater‘s two lengths win over Bigdaddykool and Will In Charge meant that she became the first filly to win the Triple Crown series of races (1,000 Guineas, Derby, St Leger) and the Superstakes in the same year.

For her trainer, Wayne DaCosta, it was his first Superstakes winner, so too for owner/breeder Winston Kong and young apprentice Anthony Thomas for whom She’s A Maneater was a chance ride.

The Superstakes record-breaking achievement by She’s A Maneater was not without trials and tribulations for her connections. Firstly, the champion trainer had to deal with the loss of regular jockey Omar Walker — the only man to ride the filly before yesterday. Then after former champion Dane Nelson was declared to ride, he fell ill yesterday and DaCosta had to scramble for a replacement and finally made the choice of Thomas, who had earlier on the 12-race programme achieved glory when he piloted Chace The Great to win the six-furlong (1,200m) Caribbean Sprint Championship.

“When I was informed that Dane (Nelson) fell ill and had to be rushed for treatment, I immediately spoke with the owner (Winston Kong), who was pragmatic as usual. Look Wayne, Anthony Thomas has just won one of the big races on Chace The Great, so let us try and get him to ride’,” said DaCosta.

“Today, Saturday November 11, 2017 is by far the greatest, most sentimental and overpowering day in my professional career. I have won the Triple Crown twice, I have won every race there is to win and more, I have won the trainers’ championship a record 16 times, I have the most wins of any trainer during a single season, but never before the Superstakes.

“That wait, pain, agony, and loads of anxiety of coming close so many times finally, finally, came to a spectacular end in just over two minutes yesterday; thanks to probably the best horse I have ever conditioned, She’s A Maneater a brilliant and controlled ride from apprentice Thomas, who only knew he would mount up about a half-hour before the actual race; and, of course, owner and breeder Winston Kong, for the faith and trust he has placed in me for so long,” DaCosta said with tears of unbridled joy welling up in his eyes.

For Kong it was an occasion of lifetime as an owner and a breeder.

“The feeling right now is very great. We had to overcome the jockey situation as Dane (Nelson) got sick, so we had to get a new jockey. and, to tell the truth, I was worried. Thomas was simply outstanding and produced a really good ride, and I am very happy now,” Kong said.

Thomas, who had to rush off after his chance ride accomplishment in the Superstakes to prepare for the day’s final race, said of his big race win: “What can I say.. I am a very happy man. The feeling is really good, and I must thank the trainer and owner for giving me the ride. I am grateful and happy that I could get the job done.”

When She’s A Maneater entered the racetrack for the start of the Suerstakes, there was a noticeable ripple of excitement in the stands which continued when she circled the infield before going to the starting gates.

When the gates finally popped open, She’s A Maneater broke with the front runners as stable companion Dysfunctional set the early fractions ahead of Superluminal and Will In Charge going around the clubhouse turn.

Thomas then took She’s A Maneater off the pace to be among the back markers heading to the six-furlong point and at that time, everyone was wondering what was going on. but Thomas, despite inexperience, was confident.

She’s A Maneater was let loose at the half-mile (800m) and, in a flash, the brilliant filly caught up with the horses approaching the final turn.

In fact, when it mattered most, in the lane and surrounded by a thundering herd, She’s A Maneater, the true champion she is, found more and more and more. She was large and in charge.

The massive crowd was on its feet, and the standing ovation after the win was an acclamation of witnessing a great moment unfold before their very eyes.

The final time was 2:06.0.