Is That A Fact breaks through in Yvonne Mattis Cup Division 1
Six-year-old American-bred bay horse Is That A Fact (Palace Malice – Valid Code) finally got the win his form deserved, landing Division 1 of the $1.25-million Yvonne Mattis Cup on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
The Jason DaCosta trainee scored by 1¼ lengths in the Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over 9 furlongs in 1:52.1 (24.1 x 47.1 x 1:11.4 x 1:38.2).
Ridden by Robert Halledeen, Is That A Fact sat second throughout behind stablemate Starruara and Jaheim Anderson in the early exchanges. He moved to the front navigating the half-mile (800m) turn and kept finding in deep stretch. Although his margin narrowed late, he held comfortably at the wire to fend off a fast-finishing
Blue Vinyl under Dane Dawkins.
“He’s been knocking on the door,” DaCosta said.
“He got beaten by two out-of-class horses at this level last time, so he was basically sitting on a win. I was pleased with the performance; he’s not really a nine-furlong horse, so I’m happy for the win.
“He’s always been genuine, so let’s see how he comes out of the race and then we’ll look where we go from here,” DaCosta told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.
