She’s A Maneater erases record, makes history with second Diamond Mile
In what was another crowning and glorious moment for her and her connections, She’s A Maneater masticated her 15 rivals to win her second Diamond Mile, sponsored by Supreme Ventures Limited and the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, at Caymanas Park on November 9, 2019.
She’s A Maneater had won the Triple Crown series of races — the Superstakes three years in a row, the Gold Cup, and the Diamond Mile twice.
In 2018, all can remember when she was the howling favourite to win the Diamond Mile; however, she bolted from her starting stall and was declared a late non-starter. By virtue of her second Diamond Mile, She’s A Maneater became the first horse to earn over $40 million in Jamaica.
In winning the 2019 Diamond Mile, She’s A Maneater erased the Stakes Record for the event by over a second. She stopped the clock in 1:35.1 (splits: 23.4 x 45.3 x 1:09.2), bettering the former mark of 1:36.2 set by stablemate Seeking My Dream in 2016.
For trainer Wayne DaCosta, winning his fourth Diamond Mile, this victory holds a special place in his heart
“I have been saying from last year that She’s A Maneater is the best horse ever to race at Caymanas Park, but some people don’t believe me.
“I’m not saying that every time she runs she gives her best performance, but she has consistently been the best right throughout her career from a two-year-old right up to a five-year-old.
“I really cannot explain, and sometimes I can’t even comprehend myself, but She’s A Maneater holds a special place in my heart, which will never be erased.
“And today [Saturday] that place in my heart was cemented even further. The time of 1:35.1 and the way she won was a total expression of excellence,” trainer DaCosta had shared.
For breeder of the mare Winston Kong it was another moment worth celebrating.
“What can I say? What can anybody say? She’s A Maneater has made me feel fantastic again. I mean this is a super horse. I thought Stranger Danger was a real danger, but ‘ Maneater’ just keeps improving, she is a wonderful horse,” Kong said.
For jockey Omar Walker, who had the choice of riding either She’s A Maneater or Stranger Danger, it was the right decision to make.
“I have been telling everyone that since the trainer [Wayne DaCosta] changed the groom of She’s A Maneater, she is a much better horse. She has improved so much at five; it is not for real and today was proof for all to see,” Walker said.
Another Bullet was the only horse to have a bad start, as all the other runners were good to go when the starter pressed the gates open.
After jostling for positions, Stranger Danger (Phillip Parchment), She’s A Maneater and Toona Ciliata (Dane Nelson) separated themselves from the field.
Then, with three-and-a-half furlongs to go, She’s A Maneater accelerated like never before to take over the lead, and that was simply that.
Stranger Danger was second, five lengths behind, with Toona Ciliata third.