Three-year-old American-bred bay colt Girvano benefited from a light impose to pull off a stunning upset in the $1.75-million Distinctly Irish Trophy feature at Caymanas Park on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Carrying a mere 46.0kgs (101 lb) with jockey Jordan Barrett, Girvano ( Girvin – Summer in Midway) came from behind to catch top-weight Funcaandun (57.0kgs/126 lb), ridden by Robert Halledeen, in a thrilling finish.

The Jason DaCosta-trained Girvano won the Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) by a length, stopping the clock in 1:56.2. Blue Vinyl, ridden by Dane Dawkins, finished third.

DaCosta was thrilled with his horse’s performance.

“I wasn’t comfortable about Girvano’s chances at all at the four furlongs because Funcaandun was in front. I mean, at that point I was just hoping to run one, two. Anyone that won the race I would have been happy with. Well, I mean he is light and I always knew that he was a long-distance runner,” DaCosta said.

Unable to go with the early speed, Girvano settled among the backmarkers and watched as Neo Star (Dick Cardenas) carried the field around the clubhouse turn and onto the main track.

Leaving the six-furlong (1,200m) marker, Mamma Mia surged to the front ahead of Neo Star and the two drew clear of the rest of the field. However, Girvano’s jockey expertly bided his time, waiting for the perfect moment to make his move.

As Girvano navigated the half-mile turn, he began to make his move, looking increasingly dangerous as he entered the stretch. And then, in deep stretch, he exploded into action, accelerating like a cannonball on fire to overtake the leaders and cross the finish line first.

Barrett was equally impressed with Girvano’s ability.

“In deep stretch, the momentum I had I knew I would get there in time. I wasn’t worried or anything as I knew I would get home. He is one of the best horses I have ridden so far,” Barrett said.

— Ruddy Allen

Trainer Jason DaCosta (left) with his charge Girvano (Jordan Barrett) in the winners’ enclosure after winning the Distinctly Irish Trophy on Saturday, August 23, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)