The last occasion on which long-serving jockey Everton Miller entered the winners’ enclosure was on February 10, 2024. Then, Miller piloted the Ralph Porter-trained Classical Orb to victory.

Finally, the popular reinsman was able to break this barren spell on February 21, when, with his usual flair and command of the reins, he brought home first-time starter Treasure Isles, trained by Fernando Geddes, in the sixth race of 10. This event was run in honour of 2025 champion trainer, Jason DaCosta.

“Bwoy, it has been a long, long time since I had this feeling, the winning feeling. I am back in the winners’ enclosure, and I tell you it is a wonderful feeling,” an elated Miller said in his post-race interview.

Treasure Isles, a four-year-old bay filly by Bern Identity out of the Storm Cat mare Black Treasure, did not waste time coming from the outside draw in a field reduced to 13 following the late withdrawal of
Knockstar, to take the lead in a four-year-old maiden contest at seven furlongs.

Treasure Isles for the first four furlongs was continuously pestered by Worries Again (Richie Shakes), with Prince Zayden (Christopher Mamdeen) racing in third place.

Miller waited until close to the turn for home to shrug off Worries Again, entering the straight for the final two furlongs with a significant advantage. Worries Again was not able to sustain the challenge, backing out leaving Prince Zayden as the only obstacle.

Miller only pulled out his whip at the furlong pole, and Treasure Isles responded by moving away for a 3¼-length victory. Prince Zayden was second, with the running-on Reportable Offense (Anthony Thomas) third. The winning time was 1:32.1, with fractions of 25.0 x 49.1 x 1:17.0. The margins were 3 ¼ lengths by 6 lengths.

“I have been with this horse, getting her fit and ready under the call of the trainer for the last two to three months. So, when it was race time, Mr Geddes just said, ‘You know this horse well, just watch for the first furlong, then decide what to do.’

“So, after a furlong, the pace was slow, so I just put her [Treasure Isles] in front and that was that, another win for Everton Miller. Big up to Mr Geddes for giving me this ride,” the jockey shared.

Jockey Everton Miller (centre) with champion trainer for 2024, Jason DaCosta. At right is Elizabeth DaCosta, mother of Jason. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)