My aim is to ride 100 winners this year — Robert Halledeen
IN-FORM jockey Robert Halledeen has declared that he has one thing on his mind and that is to ride 100 winners this season.
“Everyone has a plan for the year, everyone has an aim. My aim at the moment is to ride 100 winners and that is what I am focusing on for this year. That would be a very good achievement for me if I can accomplish this goal,” the 26-year-old said.
“To be successful in your chosen profession you have to set some kind of standard, some kind of bar, and work towards it, and that is what I am doing from now. Setting standards of my own and working towards achieving them, as that is the only way I can see my true potential,” he added.
Halledeen knows very well that to be successful, hard work and determination play a big role.
“I know that it is going to take a lot of hard work and determination and I am committed in doing so. I am coming to the track earlier in the mornings and I am working more horses as well,” he explained.
During December and early January Halledeen has been able to forge a formidable partnership with 14-time champion trainer Wayne DaCosta. It is a partnership which has yielded quite a few winners and is one which Halledeen hopes will continue for a long time.
As to his chances of becoming the 2015 champion jockey, Halledeen is under no illusions about the immensity of such a task.
“If I can achieve my goal of riding 100 winners, then I would be up there in the battle for the title. The jockeys’ championship is not really on my mind, but if comes my way then I will hold on to it with both hands. I am just in the mood to win a lot of races as I want to make everyone proud,” Halledeen told the Complete Racing Guide. “I am happy with the form that I am riding in. I am riding with more confidence and determination, probably the best form I have been in recent times,” he said.
Halledeen, a past student of St Catherine High School in Spanish Town, also thanked the many people who have influenced his career thus far.
“I have to thank my agent for securing the rides for me as he is the one that ensures that I keep up with the hard work. I also want to thank all the trainers, owners, fellow jockeys, fans, grooms and surrounding communities for their support and encouragement.
They have been behind me 100 per cent and have placed their trust and confidence in me,” Halledeen ended.
