Latest News

Pause
Sports

Caymanas Park mourns DaCosta’s passing

by

Robert Bailey - STAR Writer
March 25, 2021
Pause
Supreme Ventures General Manager Lorna Gooden hoists the national flag at half mast in mourning for late champion trainer Wayne DaCosta at Caymanas Park in St Catherine yesterday.
Supreme Ventures General Manager Lorna Gooden hoists the national flag at half mast in mourning for late champion trainer Wayne DaCosta at Caymanas Park in St Catherine yesterday.
Trainer DaCosta (right) receives the Governor General’s Trophy from Kingston Custos Steadman Fuller after his horse, Stranger Danger, won the Governor General’s Stakes at Caymanas Park on Saturday, September 14, 2019.
Trainer DaCosta (right) receives the Governor General’s Trophy from Kingston Custos Steadman Fuller after his horse, Stranger Danger, won the Governor General’s Stakes at Caymanas Park on Saturday, September 14, 2019.
In this file photo from February 1985, DaCosta (right) receives an award from Trainer’s Association President Delroy Wallace at the Salute To Racing ceremony at Caymanas Park.
In this file photo from February 1985, DaCosta (right) receives an award from Trainer’s Association President Delroy Wallace at the Salute To Racing ceremony at Caymanas Park.
In this file photo from April 2017, DaCosta tends to one of his many thoroughbreds at the Caymanas Park stables.
In this file photo from April 2017, DaCosta tends to one of his many thoroughbreds at the Caymanas Park stables.
She’s A Maneater (front), ridden by Omar Walker, is one of the most successful horses trained by DaCosta, having won the Triple Crown in 2017, and the Diamond Mile.
She’s A Maneater (front), ridden by Omar Walker, is one of the most successful horses trained by DaCosta, having won the Triple Crown in 2017, and the Diamond Mile.
1
2
3
4
5

A number of the country's top jockeys have expressed shock and sadness at the news that former champion trainer Wayne DaCosta has died.

DaCosta, who was an 18-time champion, had been hospitalised at the Intensive Care Unit of the University Hospital of the West Indies for a number of weeks. He was reportedly on a ventilator.

Anthony Thomas says DaCosta played a significant role in his development and news of his passing has been hard to take.

"It was very sad when I got the news that he had died because I was not expecting it," Thomas, the reigning Jockey's Champion said. "I am shaken up by this because I didn't want to work any horses this morning and I just wanted to go and sleep.

"I also wanted to cry because he has helped me a lot in my career because he has sat me down and showed me what to do and what not to do, so he was a role model for me."

Will be missed by all

Former champion jockey Trevor Simpson, who has ridden many winners for DaCosta, said the man, who was affectionately called 'Pardy' by his peers, made a vital contribution to the sport and will be missed by all.

"I am feeling really sad about his death because when I came to the track this morning, I heard that he is not around any more," Simpson said. "I felt so down because that is my trainer over the years. We won titles together three years straight, so I feel really sad about his death."

Jockey Shane Ellis says the racing industry has lost an icon in the sport.

"It is very disturbing for the racing industry and so my condolence goes out to his family," he said. "I know that racing is not going to be the same without him, but what can we do, it is life and he will be missed by all."

DaCosta, who had been in the racing industry for more than 40-years, last won the trainer's title in 2018. He has won more than 2,000 races during his career. He won the Triple Crown twice with War Zone in 1996 and She's A Maneater in 2017. He also won the Diamond Mile at Caymanas Park three times, twice with Seeking My Dream and once with She's A Maneater.

Other Sports Stories