After a five-month layoff, California Crown made significant return to the track, annihilating the competition to win the St Catherine Cup on Saturday, January 4, 2024.

The victory marked a triumphant comeback for the talented runner, who was sidelined since the Jamaica Derby. Then California Crown finished in eighth position by 34 lengths in the 12-furlong (2,400m) Blue Riband event on August 6, 2024.

Under the guidance of trainer Jason DaCosta, California Crown (Hedge Fund – Dream Big) demonstrated his potential, crossing the finish line a whopping 9 ¼ lengths ahead of the field in the Restricted Stakes contest for three-year-olds and upward. The winning time was 1:05.4 (24.4 x 47.4 x 59.2) for 6 furlongs (1,200m).

DaCosta expressed his delight with California Crown’s performance, revealing that the horse had been nursing an issue since the Jamaica Derby.

“He [California Crown] had a little issue coming out of the Jamaica Derby, so we gave him all the time to heal and get better. Since we put him back in training, he has done exceptionally well, and hopefully, he’ll keep sound and healthy and have a nice season this year,” DaCosta told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

DaCosta was particularly pleased with California Crown’s winning time, considering it was his first start after a lengthy layoff.

“I mean, 1:05.4 is always a good time, and I’m happy with it coming off a layoff,” he said.

With this dominant win, California Crown has now graduated to Overnight Allowance company, and DaCosta is eager to see how he’ll perform in his next outing. “We’ll see how he comes out of this race and then pick a spot,” the trainer concluded.

With Robert Halledeen in the saddle, California Crown seized the lead, dictating the pace.
Princess Amahle (Dane Dawkins), Blu Sensation (Ismael Velasquez), and Himaya (Jordan Barrett) trailed in his wake, forming a compact four-horse field following the withdrawals of Warsaw and Fearless Attack.

As the field approached the half-mile (800m) turn, California Crown shifted his advantage over pursuers. Turning for home with a commanding lead, the four-year-old chestnut colt kept up to his work, cruising to an effortless victory, with Princess Amahle and Blu Sensation finishing in second and third places, respectively.