The crowd in attendance went wild as Funcaandun, the reigning Horse of the Year, pulled off an electrifying come-from-behind win in the $1.75-million She’s A Maneater Trophy on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Ridden by Robert “Hardball” Halledeen and trained by champion conditioner Jason DaCosta, Funcaandun outgained Desert of Malibu by a short head in a heart-stopping finish in the Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward, crossing the line in 1:40.0 (23.3 x 45.4 x 1:12.1 x 1:25.3) over a mile (1,600m).

The stretch run was an absolute nail-biter, with Desert of Malibu (Raddesh Roman) kicked clear off rivals, looking all over a winner as Funcaandun was kept up to pace with Halledeen pumping hard in the saddle.

Halledeen kept his mount well-balanced on the outside and Funcaandun began to get closer with every stride. The crowd erupted as Funcaandun’s head crossed the finish line first, securing his second-consecutive win this season from three starts.

“Honestly, the last furlong I thought Desert of Malibu got away but I was getting close and closer with every stride,” Halledeen said, reflecting on the thrilling finish. “I knew that if I had joined her my horse is that type of horse that will fight and dig his head in front and that’s what Funcaandun did, he pulled me to the wire.”

DaCosta beamed with pride, praising Halledeen’s masterful ride.

“Well, Halledeen knows him like the back of his hand. You have to ride and ride him as he takes a lot of riding and he had to ride him right to the very end. So I am happy with the performance, Desert of Malibu is a very good horse and so I am happy that we caught her right on the wire. All kudos to Halledeen, it was a masterful ride and I can’t complain, I am very happy with the performance,” DaCosta said.

— Ruddy Allen

Funcaandun (#5-Robert Halledeen) just gets up in the final strides to beat Desert of Malibu (Raddesh Roman) on the wire in the She’s A Maneater Trophy on Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)