The 2025 Jamaican trainers’ championship reached its dramatic climax at Caymanas Park on December 6th, with Anthony ‘Baba’ Nunes’ aspirations for a fourth title evaporating when his prized contender Nautical Star underperformed in the prestigious US$300,000 Mouttet Mile.
Entering race day trailing rival Jason DaCosta by approximately J$14.5 million in earnings, Nunes had strategically positioned two recent imports for championship contention. Of A Revolution delivered triumphantly in the US$100,000 Bruceontheloose Sprint, but the crucial performance from Nautical Star in the feature event failed to materialize.
Reflecting on the outcome, Nunes acknowledged the long odds: ‘It was always a pipe dream, if we’re being honest. We identified 2026 as our primary target, though the substantial Mouttet Mile purse unexpectedly presented an opportunity.’
The trainer conducted comprehensive post-race examinations of Nautical Star, revealing no apparent physical issues. ‘He just ran flat,’ Nunes concluded, suggesting earlier arrival in Jamaica might have enabled better preparation. ‘I strongly believe that talent is still there and he will demonstrate that in 2026.’
Despite the disappointment, Nunes maintains optimistic prospects for the coming season. Both Nautical Star and Of A Revolution will remain in training alongside Barnaby’s return to full fitness. The trainer also highlighted exceptional promise among his two-year-old prospects, indicating strengthened contention for next year’s championship.
Nunes graciously acknowledged DaCosta’s successful campaign while raising philosophical questions about championship structures. ‘It would have been disappointing if one race decided the trainers’ championship,’ he noted, referencing his similar 2018 experience. ‘We must examine whether these high-stakes races should define twelve months of competition.’
With four race days remaining and a J$9 million deficit, Nunes conceded the mathematical improbability of overtaking DaCosta but expressed satisfaction with his stable’s overall performance, considering 2025 an accelerated building year toward 2026 championship ambitions.