DaCosta, Foster, Intrestntimesahead shine at St Leger Classic
SUNDAY, July 7, 2024 will be forever etched in the memories of trainer Jason DaCosta and jockey Tevin Foster as a day of unparalleled success, with four wins apiece on the 10-race card at Caymanas Park.
The highlight of their dominance came in the 98th running of the prestigious, $4.5-million Jamaica St Leger Classic race in which
Intrestntimesahead delivered a stunning performance to beat rivals by a convincing 3½-length margin.
Intrestntimesahead’s triumph was a sweet redemption as he had finished a close second to his stablemate
California Crown in the Jamaica 2000 Guineas on June 2. However he left no doubt about his class and ability this time around, winning the 10-furlong Futurity contest — the second leg of the native-bred three-year-old Triple Crown series of races — and denying any possibility of a Triple Crown champion this year.
Crown Chaser, ridden by veteran Shane Ellis, came from far behind runners to get second place, beating Run Julie Run (Reyan Lewis) by a long neck on the wire. After splits of 24.4 x 50.1 x 1:15.0 x 1:42.0 the final time was recorded at 2:09.1.
Run Julie Run, winner of the 1000 Guineas, and California Crown were the two horses on course for Triple Crown glory.
The win also highlighted the skill and expertise of DaCosta and Tevin Foster, who have formed a formidable partnership in recent times.
DaCosta was saddling his sixth Classic winner of his career, including back-to-back victories in the St Leger, having won with
Thalita last year.
“He got a perfect trip today and an excellent ride from Tevin [Foster] and so I am with the win,” DaCosta said in a post-race interview.
For Foster it was his first Classic winner for his career.
“First and foremost, I must thank the Almighty for health and strength. Thanks to the trainer, the groom, the owner, fans, and other connections of the horse as they played their part in helping me win my first Classic race,” Foster said.