The Mouttet Mile (invitational), the premier racing event on the local calendar, had been steadily gaining momentum, but the third staging on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Caymanas Park presented something out of the ordinary.

It was a day that would etch itself into the annals of racing history and showcase the very best of the sport.

As the gates burst open, a collective gasp echoed through the packed stands. The crowd, a vibrant tapestry of racing enthusiasts, had gathered to witness the battle for supremacy. The Mouttet Mile, with its increased purse offerings and growing international appeal, had attracted a formidable field of competitors.

Among them was Funcaandun, a talented three-year-old American-bred bay colt trained by Jason DaCosta. With Robert Halledeen in the saddle, Funcaandun was poised to make a statement. As the field thundered down the track, Funcaandun and
Legacy Isle, the favourite, engaged in a heart-stopping duel.

The crowd was on its feet, cheering and chanting as the two horses battled for the finish line. In the end, it was Funcaandun who emerged victorious, crossing the line a long neck ahead of Legacy Isle (Emisael Jaramillo) in the Graded Stakes contest over one mile (1,600m).

The crowd erupted in a frenzy of cheers and applause as Halledeen stood triumphantly in the stirrups. Commandant (Dane Nelson) finished third with the final time recorded at 1:38.4.

For Gary Peart, executive chairman of Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL), one of the masterminds behind the Mouttet Mile, the moment was one of pure elation.

“So we wanted a race that was exciting and showed all the benefits of Caymanas, and that’s what we called the Mouttet Mile,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“This year’s race was amazing; it was the most competitive race. I always wanted a race where the horses were neck and neck in the final furlong, and we had two horses that were neck and neck, and Funcaandun won at 17-1. Everybody is happy,” he further said.

Peart expressed his delight with the success of the 2024 Mouttet Mile, which was broadcast live on Fox5 Sport and New York Racing Association (NYRA) markets, reaching an impressive 10 million viewers.

“So we have a partnership with Fox and NYRA for two years, so we delivered this year and we want to deliver next year, which is going to be bigger and better and we will continue going,” SVL’s chairman said.

Peart also announced that the Mouttet Mile Race Day will see significant increases in purse offerings for the three premier races, cementing Caymanas Park’s position as a major player in Caribbean horse racing.

The Mouttet Mile, the centrepiece of the event, will boast a staggering purse of US$300,000 ($47.2 million) up from US$250,000 ($39.3 million) in 2024. This substantial increase is expected to attract even more top-class horses and riders from across the region and beyond.

Additionally, the prestigious Bruceontheloose Sprint Trophy will feature a substantial purse of US$100,000, equivalent to approximately $15.5 million. This race is specifically designed for Graded Stakes/Open Allowance horses and covers a distance of 6 ½ furlongs. Notably, the purse for the 2024 edition was $3 million, marking a dramatic leap.

The Chairman’s Plate, catering to Overnight horses racing the challenging two-turn route of nine furlongs and 25 yards, will offer a purse of US$40,000, or about $6.2 million. The 2024 Chairman’s Plate had a purse of $3 million.

“This is huge. I mean, this is great, more international people will come. It forces local owners to buy better horses. It forces local breeders to breed better horses. It is just great,” Peart said.

With its increased purse offerings, growing international appeal, and commitment to showcasing the very best of the sport, the Mouttet Mile is poised to become a major player on the global racing scene.

For Peart and his team, the challenge now is to build on the momentum generated by the 2024 event. With plans already underway for the 2025 Mouttet Mile, the anticipation is palpable. One thing is certain — the Mouttet Mile seems poised to continue its role in racing’s revival, and is becoming an unmatched celebration of the sport on this side of the world.