Jockey Robert Halledeen was beaming with confidence after guiding Funcaandun to a thrilling victory in the prestigious US$250,000 Mouttet Mile on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The talented rider, known for his big-race prowess, produced a masterful performance aboard the Jason DaCosta-trained colt, crossing the finish line a long neck ahead of favourite Legacy Isle, ridden by visiting jockey Emisael Jaramillio in the largest single purse event in the English-speaking Caribbean. Funcaandun, trained by Jason DaCosta, upset the apple cart at odds of 17-1.

Commandant, ridden by Dane Nelson, finished third by one and a quarter lengths. After splits of 23.2 x 46.4 x 1:12.1 x 1:25.0, the final time was recorded at 1:38.4.

Halledeen, who has established himself as one of the top jockeys in the region, attributed his success to his unwavering confidence in himself and his mount.

“I was very confident,” he said in the post-race interview. “You need to have confidence in yourself and in the horse as well. If you’re not confident, it doesn’t make sense being out here.”

The jockey’s confidence in Funcaandun was bolstered by the colt’s performances in the Gold Cup and Jamaica Cup races.

“The Gold Cup and the Jamaica Cup races showed me that Funcaandun was the perfect miler,” Halledeen revealed. “After the Jamaica Cup, I knew that he was going to get a couple more gallops, so I was confident that he would improve rapidly for the race.”

As the starting gates burst open, Pack Plays, ridden by Kevin Krigger, shot to the front and held the lead ahead of Banadura (Jerome Innis) and Desert of Malibu (Raddesh Roman).

When the field approached the seven-furlong marker, Banadura surged to the front, with Desert of Malibu, Pack Plays, Legacy Isle, and Funcaandun hot on their heels.

Down the backstretch, Plack Plays regained the lead, prompting jockey Emisael Jaramillio to send Legacy Isle in pursuit. Meanwhile, Funcaandun drew alongside
Desert of Malibu, with Commandant looming large.

As the field went by the half-mile marker, the race intensified, with Legacy Isle seizing the lead and carrying the field into the lane.

Funcaandun positioned himself perfectly in the middle, while Commandant went wide, setting the stage for a heart-stopping finish.

In the final furlong, it seemed to be a three-horse battle, but Funcaandun and Legacy Isle eventually pulled away from Commandant. In a thrilling conclusion, Funcaandun got up in time to claim victory, sending the crowd into raptures.

As the gates burst open, Halledeen knew he had won the race. “From the break, I knew I had the race won,” he said. “All I had to do was get a clean break and a safe trip, and that was it.”

Halledeen’s big-race expertise was on full display as he navigated Funcaandun through the field with ease.

“When it comes to big races, I am the man of the match,” he said with a smile. “I am always going to be in the right place at the right time, and I am just happy at the moment.”

As he basked in the glory of his triumph, Halledeen struggled to put into words the emotions that were swirling inside him.

“I’m feeling wonderful, I mean, words can’t explain the feeling right now,” he said, still grinning from ear to ear.