The toughest one yet

Reigning four-time champion trainer Jason DaCosta has admitted this year’s trainers’ championship was the most difficult he has won, as he was forced to overcome early setbacks before emerging on top once again.

DaCosta, the son of 18-time champion trainer Wayne DaCosta, who passed away in March 2021, secured the title after amassing stakes earnings of $83,980,350. He finished ahead of long-time rival Anthony ‘Baba’ Nunes, who earned $77,838,100. Philip Feanny was third with $51,794,375, followed by Gary Subratie on $50,948,675, while Peter-John Parsard rounded out the top five with $26,345,800.

DaCosta told The Gleaner that the road to this year’s crown was far from smooth as he had to overcome a number of challenges, especially with his young horses.

“This one was a little more difficult,” said DaCosta. “It was a challenging year because I started off rough; we had some promising young horses and they went through a lot of problems and not making it to a couple races.

“Earlier in the year, I didn’t think I had a shot, because I didn’t have the numbers and I didn’t have the quality of the three-year-olds; but I stuck with it and worked hard, and things fell into place and everything worked out,” he added.

DaCosta credited perseverance and support from his team and owners for helping him to his fourth consecutive championship at Caymanas Park.

“I want to thank the owners who stuck by me, and the crew. I have to thank them because it is a lot of hard work and dedication. I am happy that I came out on top,” he said.

DaCosta noted that defending his title next year will be no easier, as he begins rebuilding.

“Next year is going to be challenging again because I am in a rebuilding stage, and so it is going to be tough, but I will be here working and trying my best.”