CHAMPION trainer Wayne DaCosta presented Perfect Neighbour in perfect racing condition to win the 93rd running of the $7,000,000 Jamaica Derby (GrI) sponsored by Vivobarefoot at Caymanas Park yesterday.

Owned by Alfred A Lee & Jeffrey Mordecai, Perfect Neighbour, a 3-1 betting option, came running on strongly to win the three-year-olds most coveted prize by 3 3/4 lengths.

Ridden by Puerto Rican-born, American-based jockey Orlando Bocachica, Perfect Neighbour ran 2,400 metres in a time of 2:35.1 minutes to present DaCosta with his fourth Derby success. DaCosta’s other successes were with the filly Thornbird in 1984, War Zone who won the Triple Crown in 1996, and another filly Good Prospect in 1999.

Uncle Taf, who won the Lotto Classic for the Governor’s Cup, just failed to repeat his feat but fought gallantly to finish second as an 11-1 chance.

Royal Vibes, a 99-1outsider and stablemate of the winner, tracked Uncle Taf from the off finishing third while the 8-5 favourite Big Man In Town, ridden by leading jockey Omar Walker, completed the frame in the field of 16.

The result of the Derby provided a truly great historical moment for the Mordecai family. The Derby trophy is named after Sir John Mordecai and it is his son Jeffery who is part-owner of the winner Perfect Neighbour.

Apart from riding the winner of the Derby, Bocachica gave another fine performance when he piloted Royal Line to victory.