MOUTTET MILE SHOCKER

The stage was set for a thrilling showdown in the third staging of the prestigious Mouttet Mile on Saturday, December 7, 2024. With a US$250,000 purse on the line — the largest in the English-speaking Caribbean — the atmosphere was electric, and the stakes were higher than ever.

In a heart-stopping, breathtaking duel, Funcaandun, ridden by Robert Halledeen, outbattled favourite Legacy Isle by a long neck to win the Graded Stakes contest for three-year-olds and upward over one mile (1,600m).

Trained by Jason DaCosta, Funcaandun upset the apple cart at odds of 17-1, crossing the finish line in a time of 1:38.4 (23.2 x 46.4 x 1:12.1 x 1:25.0).

The Supreme Racing Guide of the Jamaica Observer analyses the outcome of the Mouttet Mile.

FIRST — FUNCAANDUN (USA): Funcaandun’s victory in the Mouttet Mile was extraordinary. Coming off an 11-length defeat after finishing third in the Jamaica Cup, the American-bred showed remarkable grit and determination to beat the best in the field. Funcaandun waited patiently before making his move with four furlongs to go, and his timing was perfect as he got up in time to claim victory. This performance was truly out of the ordinary, and Funcaandun’s name is now firmly in the running for Horse of the Year.

SECOND — LEGACY ISLE (USA): Legacy Isle, the overwhelming favourite, put in a commendable performance. The highly-rated American-bred runner had boasted three wins from 13 starts and was expected to make a winning local debut in this prestigious event. Legacy Isle broke well, was positioned perfectly throughout the race, and made his move at the right time. However, he was outdone by a better horse on the day. Despite this setback, Legacy Isle is expected to continue racing in Jamaica and should do well.

THIRD — COMMANDANT (USA): Commandant, another foreigner who travelled to Jamaica specifically for the Mouttet Mile, put in a respectable performance to finish third. Like Legacy Isle, Commandant suffered an injury during transportation from quarantine to Caymanas Park but recovered well in time for the race. He was well-positioned throughout but was unable to overhaul the top two finishers in the closing stages. Commandant is expected to be one of the top runners next season.

FOURTH — FURTHER AND BEYOND: Further and Beyond, a former Horse of the Year, demonstrated his enduring quality by finishing in the top four. Although not the dominant force he once was, Further And Beyond continues to show glimpses of his former self. His performance has raised hopes that he will continue to compete at a high level in 2025.

FIFTH — TIZ TOK (USA): Tiz Tok, one of six American invaders, was expected to play a significant role in the outcome of the Mouttet Mile. He finished fifth, in what has to be considered as a respectable but not outstanding performance. Despite a slow start,
Tiz Tok found his rhythm and earned a share of the purse. He is expected to make progress next season.

SIXTH — PACK PLAYS (USA): Pack Plays justified his inclusion in the Mouttet Mile by earning sixth place. He prompted the pace for most of the way but faltered when the leading contenders made their move. Pack Plays has shown a preference for sprinting and is likely to dominate short-distance races in 2025.

SEVENTH — BARNABY (USA): Barnaby’s performance in the Mouttet Mile was disappointing, given his impressive debut win over 7 ½ furlongs. His 17-length victory in 1:31.0 had signalled immense talent, but he failed to replicate that form in the Mouttet Mile. Despite this setback, Barnaby is expected to return stronger in the future.

EIGHTH — DESERT OF MALIBU (USA): Desert of Malibu’s performance in the Mouttet Mile was a major disappointment. Riding a four-race winning streak, she was considered a strong contender, but ultimately failed to deliver. Despite this setback,
Desert of Malibu is expected to bounce back.

NINTH — RHYTHM BUZZ: Rhythm Buzz ran as expected, never threatening the top contenders. However, he managed to secure a share of the purse, which is paid out to the top 10 finishers.

TENTH — ATOMICA: Atomica, the current Horse of the Year, failed to deliver in the Mouttet Mile for the third-consecutive occasion. Her reputation for underperforming in large fields against top-rated horses continues to hold true. Her connections now face a decision on whether to continue racing her or retirement to the breeding shed.

ELEVENTH — INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD: Intrestntimesahead was never a factor in the Mouttet Mile. After winning the Jamaica St Leger in July, he has failed to replicate that form.

TWELFTH — WALL STREET TRADER (USA): Wall Street Trader failed to make an impact in the Mouttet Mile.

THIRTEENTH — IS THAT A FACT (USA): Is That A Fact finished a disappointing 13th. However, he is expected to rebound from this performance.

FOURTEENTH — SHEER DELIGHT (USA): Sheer Delight was clearly out of his league in the Mouttet Mile.

FIFTEENTH — SISTREN TREASURE (USA): Sistren Treasure ran as expected, never threatening the top contenders.

SIXTEENTH — BANADURA: Banadura, the Jamaica Oaks winner, did well to secure a spot in the Mouttet Mile