In a thrilling conclusion to the prestigious US$250,000 Mouttet Mile on Saturday, December 7, 2024, Funcaandun, trained by Jason DaCosta, outbattled favourite Legacy Isle in a heart-stopping duel to claim victory.

The three-year-old American bay colt, ridden by Robert Halledeen, crossed the finish line a neck ahead of Legacy Isle, stopping the clock in a time of 1:38.4.

DaCosta was overjoyed with Funcaandun’s victory.

“Funcaandun has campaigned tremendously all season,” he said. “He has done everything I asked him, and one mile is right up his street – the ideal distance for him. The last race he ran in the Jamaica Cup he allowed the horses a lot of weight. and so coming into this race with 55.0kgs (121 lb), he had a chance, and he took full advantage of it.”

DaCosta also praised Funcaandun’s potential, noting that the three-year-old American-bred colt is peaking at the right time. “I think he is peaking at the right time, and I hope he continues to improve and be a better horse next year,” he said.

However, DaCosta’s thoughts were also with his late father, Wayne DaCosta, who he said taught him everything he knows about horse racing.

“This couldn’t have been possible without my dad,” he said emotionally. “He taught me everything; he set the foundation, and so I am just continuing where he had left off,” Jason DaCosta said.

Despite his personal family feelings, DaCosta was quick to dedicate the win to owner Carlton Watson, who he said has invested heavily in the sport.

“I have to dedicate this win to owner Carlton Watson,” he said. “He has been tremendous to the sport, and I am so happy to get this win for him.”

The Mouttet Mile lived up to its billing, with Funcaandun and Legacy Isle engaging in a thrilling duel in deep stretch.

Legacy Isle, trained by Rohan Crichton and ridden by visiting jockey Emisael Jaramillio, did nothing wrong, moving at the right time, but was simply outdone by a better horse on the day.

Commandant, ridden by Dane Nelson, finished third by one-and-a-quarter lengths.