DERBY and St Leger winner Perfect Neighbour will not make the trip to Trinidad and Tobago to participate in that country’s Derby scheduled to take place in September.

This was confirmed by trainer Wayne DaCosta following the bay colt’s facile victory in last Saturday’s St Leger.

“I can confirm that there was some thought given before the St Leger for Perfect Neighbour to run in the T&T Derby, but after consultation with the connections the decision was made to stay in Jamaica,” the Derby winning trainer said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

DaCosta further stated that it would not be wise for the colt to travel at this time, preferring instead to rest him and then prepare him for other major long-distance races in the second part of the racing year.

“Perfect Neighbour came out of the St Leger very well. It was as if he had not raced. He is eating well and is feeling fine. For now he will take a break before racing, probably in the latter part of August. We want him to finish his conditions which include two races at the Open Allowance level before, if everything goes well, we will see about participating in races such as the Governor General Stakes, the Superstakes and hopefully the Harry Jackson Memorial Cup in December,” the champion conditioner said.

DaCosta also opined that the final decision to keep Perfect Neighbour in Jamaica was heavily influenced by the cost of transporting the horse to the southern Caribbean.

“The cost is just too high. In fact I would say it is prohibitive. US$15,000 is simply too much,” DaCosta said.

Already 14 horses, mainly from the Gary Subratie barn, will leave the island to race in Trinidad. Included in the lot is Big Man In Town who did not run in the St Leger on Saturday last.

Also leaving for the twin-island republic is top three-year-old filly and winner of the 1,000 Guineas, Selectabook. She will continue to be trained by Anthony Nunes who now operates a barn in Trinidad.