I Dream Again brings DaCosta third-consecutive St Leger victory
Trainer Jason DaCosta wasn’t surprised by I Dream Again’s victory in the $4.5-million Jamaica St Leger on Saturday, July 6, 2025.
Despite the colt’s mild upset in the second jewel in the Triple Crown series, DaCosta said he always had faith in
I Dream Again’s chances.
Owned by Derrick Smith and ridden by Robert Halledeen, I Dream Again produced a late flourish in deep stretch to win the 10-furlong (2,000m) event by 1 ¾ lengths in a time of 2:14.0. Hansa, ridden by Wesley Henry, finished second, while Burning Hedge, ridden by Raddesh Roman, ended in third place.
The win by I Dream Again marked DaCosta’s third-consecutive Jamaica St Leger victory, following successes with Thalita in 2023 and Intrestntimesahead in 2024.
“I am feeling good. I am really happy to win the Jamaica St Leger,” DaCosta said, beaming with pride.
He added: “This horse, I Dream Again, I have always had faith in him. He was bought in the yearling sale and is a late foal, born in June, he has been improving with every run, so I always had hope for him. I am really happy to win the St Leger for the third-consecutive time following Thalita in 2023 and Intrestntimesahead last year.”
DaCosta attributed I Dream Again’s success to his maturing at the right time.
“It was a matter of him [I Dream Again] figuring it out and maturing and he got it right today.”
DaCosta said that he was worried when Hansa took the lead and opened up on the field approaching the distance, but Halledeen’s ride reassured him.
“I was definitely worried because the leader looked like she was gone but I was also hopeful because I saw him closing steadily. I didn’t get confident until the last half-furlong but it was a perfect ride by Halledeen and I was very happy,” he said.
DaCosta praised Halledeen’s expertise.
“Halladeen is a loyal soldier and he’s probably the best rider here. As long as he focused, fit, and keeps his weight down, he is one of the best riders here. We work well together,” DaCosta said.
The win also marked a significant milestone for DaCosta and owner Derrick Smith, who has a long-standing partnership spanning over 40 years. “Congrats to Mr Smith, I am really happy for him, he has been in the game from a very long time over 40 years with my dad [the late Wayne DaCosta]. I am happy to get this win for him,” DaCosta said, grateful for the opportunity to bring Smith another Classic win.
