“I’M overwhelmed with gratitude and joy,” said Tevin Foster, beaming with pride after winning his first Classic race aboard the Jason DaCosta-conditioned Intrestntimesahead in the 98th running of the Jamaica St Leger on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

Intrestntimesahead won the 10-furlong Futurity contest — the second leg of the native-bred three-year-old Triple Crown series of races — by a convincing 3½-length margin.

Crown Chaser, ridden by veteran Shane “Canter Man” Ellis, came from far behind runners to get second place, beating
Run Julie Run (Reyan Lewis) by a neck on the wire. After splits of 24.4 x 50.1 x 1:15.0 x 1:42.0 the final time was recorded at 2:09.1.

“First and foremost, I thank the Almighty for this blessing. I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the connections — the owner, trainer, and groom — for their dedication and hard work, which ultimately paid off,” Foster said.

Reflecting on his riding strategy Foster noted, “In our previous race I was a bit impatient but today I decided to wait for the right moment to ask him to run. It was a fantastic feeling, and I’m thrilled that it paid off.”

Foster revealed that the win was a special birthday gift as he celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, July 3, when Hurricane Beryl hit the island.

“Winning my first Classic race is a dream come true and I’m savouring every moment of it,” Foster said.

Intrestntimesahead broke well, stalking the pace and nestling just off the leaders as they navigated the clubhouse turn and onto the main track. Under a tight hold Foster bided his time, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

As the field approached the half-mile turn Foster skilfully coaxed Intrestntimesahead to close the gap, effortlessly bridging the distance to the leaders. California Crown, attempting to steal the race, surged to the front near the five-furlong mark but Intrestntimesahead and Run Julie Run quickly responded, surrounding the leader as they entered the final stretch.

Intrestntimesahead and Run Julie Run engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy in deep stretch, their hooves pounding the track in unison. However, Foster’s masterful handling and Intrestntimesahead’s sheer talent ultimately prevailed as they edged away from their rival in the final stages of the race to secure an impressive victory.