Hover Craft, the sprightly 12-year-old bay gelding, once again turned back the years with a late winning surge in the Jamaica Racehorse Owners Association Trophy feature race at 1,820 metres at Caymanas Park, on Saturday, April 16. That trophy race was an Overnight Allowance call for three-year-old and upwards horses.

Continuing to excel under the guidance of second-generation trainer, Jason DaCosta, for owner Elizabeth DaCosta, the old plunderer stalked the field before coming forward to post his first win of the season and 22nd overall from 143 career starts. The win also provided DaCosta with his second win — back-to-back — on the nine-race card.

Sent off as the 7/5 second-favourite, Hover Craft won the event in a time of 1:58.1 seconds built around split fractions of 26.2, 50.2, 1:16.0, and 1:43.0 seconds. Supreme Soul (Kiaman McGregor) finished in second place with Raw Liquid (Phillip Parchment) third.

“There are not many more words one can find to aptly describe his performances at this late stage of Hover Craft’s career: Even being the grandfather of the stables, he always tries hard to give his best and this win today leaves me happy. Today, saddled with a top weight of 57.0kgs, in a group that is still in its prime, and with some less than half his age, his performance was quite impressive, exemplary. He is an old warrior; he allowed the field weight and never struggled but put his back to the wheel and came out on top.

“He seems to be enjoying his racing at present, and all that can be done, is to keep him sound, healthy, and happy, and he will produce for you,” trainer DaCosta said.