AGAINST the background of a cohort of principal 2025 Classic contenders being best described as just above moderate, the 105th 12-furlong Jamaica Derby generated talking points not only on the likely outcome but these concerns also inevitably include underinvestment in the breeding industry, which is an existential threat to local horse racing.

That the breeding sheds have averaged a yield of under 150 foals over each of the last five seasons is a cause for concern. This is compoundded by the fact that the expense of importing thoroughbreds is expected to increase significantly with the precipitous decline of stud farms in the USA.

With 2000 Guineas winner Sensational Soul (2-1) retreating tamely from three furlongs out the event was effectively reduced to an I Dream Again (5-2) versus Burning Hedge (3-2fav) match. As confirmed in his post-race interview, champion trainer Jason Dacosta, for his first Derby success, prepared I Dream Again, winner of the St Leger, for front-running tactics. Robert Halledeen executed the game plan with confidence. The 1000 Guineas winner and St Leger third, Burning Hedge, created scary moments with a very brave effort under the guidance of 2011 champion Dick Cardenas.

Burning Hedge held every chance and pointed inside the last furlong but found I Dream Again, the now-declared 2025 three-year-old champion, not giving her any advantage. However, this finish for her was a length closer than that of the St Leger. The surprise of the Derby was the Gary Subratie-conditioned filly Pretty Perfect (43-1), stable companion of Sensational Soul and who shares the same ownership, staying on well to be three lengths for third.

The opening event of eleven and contested over the extended, circular, nine-furlong course went to 9-5 bet
Pappie Don, declared by Gregg Fennell and ridden by champion and 2025 runaway leader Raddesh Roman (77) to a one-length margin of victory. Roman’s fortune declined dramatically as, after finishing second in race two, he fell from mounts Papi Uso(9-5) in race seven and Valley Of Love(4-1) in race eight, and was rendered idle for the rest of the card as an injury precautionary measure.

Phillip Parchment, sitting president of the Jockeys’ Guild, was aboard Loredo(5-2), trained by Paul Swaby, to win race two over the straight course by all of five lengths. Over the same trip, race three went to 4-5 favourite Whisky, saddled by owner Dennis Lee, which won by over six lengths. In race five it was the first of double for claimer Tyrese Anderson, with Adrian Prince’s Zulu Warrior(2-1) always clear to score by five and a half lengths over the seven furlongs.

In race six, run on the five-furlong round, Anderson was aboard first-past-the-post Radam(27-1) but was justifiably disqualified and the initial positions in relation to owner-trainer Paul Williams’ First Offence(5-1), three parts of a length in second, reversed following an inquiry and jockey’s objection by Dane Dawkins.

Pretty Brown Ting(7-2), racing for the second time, won race seven by eight lengths, with jockey Wesley Henry declared by trainer Joseph Thomas for the seven-furlong gallop. Meanwhile, to close his double in race eight Anderson made no errors in piloting Military Light(7/5) to a three parts of a length success over the six furlongs for trainer Gary Griffiths.

Before the Derby, which was run as the closing event, the DaCosta and Halledeen partnership secured races nine and 10. Girvano(4-5) won the seven-and-a-half-furlong ninth by just over three lengths on the wet-fast track. Then for race 10 this racing surface, freshened by a short, sharp but heavy passing shower, was relished by the appropriately named H Two O(1-5) as he cantered in by over eight lengths in a time of 1:26.3 for the seven furlongs of exertion.

The Training Feat Award is presented to Jason DaCosta for his exquisitely timed preparation to secure a three-timer on the big day. I Dream Again, who had his speed, courage and stamina tested, executed the Best Winning Gallop, whilst Halledeen takes the Jockeyship Award.

Girvano easily wins with Robert Halledeen aboard. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)