In a major boost for Jamaican horse racing, the Mouttet Mile is poised to put the island’s racing scene firmly on the international map.

According to Dave O’Rourke, president and CEO of the New York Racing Association (NYRA), the prestigious event has the potential to attract global attention and establish Jamaica as a major player in the world of horse racing.

O’Rourke, who was in attendance at Caymanas Park for the US$250,000 ($39 million) Mouttet Mile on December 7, 2024, was effusive in his praise for the Mouttet Mile, highlighting its significant purse and exciting atmosphere.

“We have been showing the race [Mouttet Mile] last year on Fox5 Sports and we were showing it again and so we have been working with the Caymanas Park folks and looking up to help build up the event,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“We got two of the biggest races in the Western Hemisphere the same day, in the Mouttet Mile and the Cigar Mile. Who doesn’t want to be in Jamaica? Especially when it’s December and you live in New York,” O’Rourke quipped, highlighting the appeal of Jamaica’s tropical weather conditions.

In a breathtaking duel in deep stretch that will be etched in the memories of racing fans for years to come, Funcaandun, ridden by Robert Halledeen, outbattled favourite
Legacy Isle to win the prestigious Mouttet Mile (invitational).

The stage was set for a thrilling showdown, with the huge purse on the line — the largest in the English-speaking Caribbean. The atmosphere was electric, and the stakes were higher than ever. No one was giving anything away, and the excitement was palpable.

Those in attendance were filled with anticipation, sensing that they were about to witness something truly special. And special it was, as Funcaandun, trained by Jason DaCosta, upset the apple cart at odds of 17-1.

The three-year-old American bay colt got home in the Graded Stakes contest for three-year-olds and upward by a long neck, leaving favourite Legacy Isle, ridden by visiting jockey Emisael Jaramillio, in second place. Legacy Isle, trained by Rohan Crichton, did nothing wrong, moving at the right time, but was simply outdone by a better horse on the day.

Crichton’s other runner, Commandant, ridden by Dane Nelson, finished third by one and a quarter lengths in the event. After splits of 23.2 x 46.4 x 1:12.1 x 1:25.0, the final time was recorded at 1:38.4. Legacy Isle and Commandant were two of six overseas horses which came into the island for the Mouttet Mile.

The NYRA chief also praised the atmosphere at Caymanas Park, noting that it was “wonderful” and “really cool”.

“I’m here on work and so I’m taking notes and there’s things that we can bring back that they’re doing down here.You’ve got a very entrepreneurial group running the track and some of the stuff they’re doing, especially around the party and the themes. These are the little things that we can use up north,” he explained.

O’Rourke emphasised the importance of the Mouttet Mile in showcasing Jamaican racing to a wider audience.

“I think this [Mouttet Mile] puts up Jamaican racing on the international spotlight. This is a big race. It’s got a big purse. It’s got a really good feel. So, this is really good sporting content for horse racing. And I think this is the beginning of Jamaica coming on to the international scene in horse racing,” he stated.

The NYRA chief also noted that the Mouttet Mile could attract international jockeys, many of whom hail from the Caribbean and Latin America.

“A lot of our jockeys come from the Caribbean and Latin America. So, they love coming down here. I think in terms of scheduling for our jockey specifically, since we have the Cigar Mile a little tough for them.

“But depending on the year, it could fall on a different date. So that might like help get a little few of them more. But I know they definitely want to be here,” O’Rourke said.

O’Rourke confirmed that NYRA will continue to support the Mouttet Mile.

“NYRA will continue to support the Mouttet Mile. As long as we’re on, yeah, we want to continue supporting it,” he stated. “This is perfect content to match with ours.”

With the Mouttet Mile poised to shine a spotlight on Jamaican racing, the future looks bright for the island’s horse racing industry. As O’Rourke so aptly put it, “This is the beginning of Jamaica coming on to the international scene in horse racing.”