After a frustrating seven-race stretch in the non-winners of two category, Star Quest finally broke through to secure his second career win in the Reggae 6 Anniversary Trophy on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
The bay colt by Northern Giant out of Thegirlnextdoor, trained by Jason DaCosta, had last visited the winners’ enclosure on July 6. His return to form came in a race for locally bred three-year-olds (non-winners of two) and three-year-olds and up foreign-bred maidens, contested over six furlongs.
Ridden by claiming apprentice Eric Haughton, Star Quest settled in fifth down the backstretch as T Swizzle (Shane Ellis) and Hazelnut (Raddesh Roman) vied for the lead, with 3-5 favourite I’m Outstanding poised just behind.
Turning for home, I’m Outstanding surged through a wide opening along the inside rail to take command. Haughton, sensing the shift, angled Star Quest inward from mid-track and began to drive.
It was just past the furlong pole that Star Quest locked onto his target. With late acceleration, he reeled in the leader to win by half-a-length in 1:14.4, posting splits of 23.2 x 46.2.
I’m Outstanding held second, while Hazelnut stayed on for third.
For DaCosta, the win was a long-awaited relief.
“He’s taken his time to get his second win,” DaCosta said. “Right now, he seems to be improving, and hopefully he won’t take as long for win number three.”
