THE countdown is on for the 2024 Mouttet Mile Invitational and the stage is set for a thrilling confrontation at Caymanas Park. Six prominent overseas-based horses have thrown their hats into the ring, each vying for a share of the coveted US$250,000 purse.

This prestigious event, scheduled for December 7, promises to deliver heart-pumping action and electrifying competition.

Among the international contenders vying for glory is Sheer Delight, a three-year-old colt with an impressive earnings record of over US$30,000. Owned by Jeremy Rachpaul, this talented youngster has already arrived in the island and is eager to take on the best of the best. Sheer Delight is trained Donovan Hutchinson.

“It is with excitement and joy that our team has a chance to enter the Mouttet Mile 2024 with Sheer Delight. On behalf of myself, my family, and our team, I would like to say thank you to Caymanas and the horse racing family in Jamaica. We look forward to growing our stable, racing in Jamaica, and competing in the Mouttet Mile 2024 with God’s grace and blessings,” Rachpaul said.

Pack Plays, a speedster owned by Diley Dakin, is another force to be reckoned with. Boasting remarkable agility and pace, this three-year-old dark bay/brown colt has been preparing for the Mouttet Mile and is ready to leave the competition in its dust.
Pack Plays, bred by Stay Thirsty – Standard Deal, is trained by Rowan Mathie.

“Pack Plays has been preparing for the Mouttet Mile for a while and has shown tremendous speed and agility in most of his races. I know he will get the distance.
Pack Plays will undoubtedly make the Mouttet Mile competition more interesting,” Dakin said.

Former three-time champion trainer Anthony “Baba” Nunes has also thrown his hat into the ring, submitting the talented three-year-old bay colt Barnaby. With a racing record of three wins and two third-place finishes from six starts, and earnings of US$89,510 ($14,000,000), Barnaby is a strong contender for the top prize.

“Barnaby is a son of Tapiture out of the Giants Causeway mare, Giants Diva. He had arrived in Jamaica on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 and will be in quarantine for two weeks. We look forward to having him in our barn, at which time he will start the process of getting acclimatised to his new surroundings. We look forward, shortly thereafter, to getting him on the track in preparation for the Mouttet Mile in December,” Nunes stated.

Trainer Rohan Crichton, who won the 2023 Mouttet Mile with Rough Entry, is back with a vengeance, entering three powerhouse horses: Legacy Isle, Commandant, and Real Macho. Each of these horses has an impressive win record and earnings, making them a formidable trio.

Legacy Isle (Shackleford – Queenameina) has raced 13 times in his career, winning three times and placing second two times, with lifetime earnings of US$144,055.

Commandant (Girvin – Alotofappeal) has a racing record of five wins, two second-place finishes, and one third from 15 starts, plus lifetime earnings of US$171,630.

Real Macho (Mucho Macho Man – Hedonism) has raced nine times in his career, holding three victories and with lifetime earnings of US$154,420.

“Our horses are scheduled to arrive in Jamaica on September 18. The plan is to follow the same pattern as Rough Entry — ease them into their training regimen after quarantine and gradually build from there. The Mouttet Mile is an amazing event that showcases Jamaican racing; we are proud to participate and [are] doing our best to make it two in a row,” Crichton said.