On Saturday, June 24, 2023, current champion trainer Jason DaCosta celebrated another milestone in his career, which began in March of 2021, when he saddled his 200th career winner at Caymanas Park.

DaCosta, who started the race meet on 199 winners, achieved his historic landmark in the fifth race, when his charge Tekapunt was expertly handled by Reyan Lewis.

Travelling 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m), Tekapunt settled in second place for most of the way behind Ultimate Machine (Roger Hewitt) before surging to the front in deep stretch. Tekapunt went on to win comfortably ahead of Babylike (Oneil Mullings) and Ultimate Machine in a time of 1:20.4 (24.2 x 48.2 x 1:13.4).

“It is a good feeling to reach 200 winners in my career. I mean, it is a lot f hard work to get there and I am just happy for the 200 winners. I must thank my staff at the stables and everyone for their continuous support,” an elated DaCosta told the Jamaica Observer‘s The Supreme Racing Guide.

DaCosta and Lewis then proceeded to win the next two races to close out a three-timer. The pair won with MPRS Links, in a maiden condition race over seven furlongs (1,400m) for three-year-olds and She’s My Destiny, who romped home in the Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) 22nd Anniversary Trophy feature event over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m).

The five-year-old chestnut mare She’s My Destiny won the Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upwards by three-and-a-quarter lengths ahead of stablemates King Arthur (Javaniel Patterson) and Miniature Man (Abigail Able). The final time for the race was 1:06.2 (23.2 x 46.2).

DaCosta, who took over the stables from his late father Wayne in April 2011, stated that while his two Classic winners, Miniature Man (2000 Guineas) and Mamma Mia (1000 Guineas), are notable accomplishments, the American-bred I Am Fred is the best horse he has trained in his local career so far.

“The best horse I have trained since I am here is probably I Am Fred. He has improved a lot and he is doing well. I have to mention the two Classic winners in Miniature Man and Mamma Mia, but Miniature Man was special as he was my first Classic winner.

“Mamma Mia has done well, and I am thankful for what I have achieved so far,” DaCosta said.

Since he started training horses on the North American racing circuit in 2009, DaCosta has saddled 439 winners with 12 of those winners coming this year.