‘Man of the Match’ Halledeen relives Jamaica St Leger thrill
Robert Halledeen was like a man possessed after victory in the $.4.5-million Jamaica St Leger aboard I Dream Again on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The Jamaica St Leger, the second jewel in the Triple Crown series of races, was run over 10 furlongs (2,000m).
I Dream Again crossed the finishing line a convincing 1 3/4 lengths clear in a time of 2:14.0 (25.4 x 52.1 x 1:17.0 x 1:44.3).
With a beaming smile and an infectious enthusiasm, Halledeen relived the magic of the moment.
“I feel like man of the match. It is a fantastic feeling winning a Classic race,” he said.
Halledeen’s excitement was palpable as he reflected on the significance of the win.
“These horses only run this race once in their careers, to win it with I Dream Again is history. He ran awesome today and I am happy with the performance,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
He quickly added: “Well, from as long as my horses have a shot, I will put them in the position and I will always get the best of them. If I don’t have a horse, I don’t have a chance.”
Halledeen was candid about his expectations going into the race.
“Honestly, I didn’t know if he would catch the trip, but he had showed rapid improvement in his last two gallops coming into the race. I did not know what he was going to do, but I know he was going to run and he ran more than what I had expected.”
Halladeen also shared a light-hearted anecdote about I Dream Again’s playful nature.
“This horse is very rude, in the mornings no jockey really wants to work him because when he comes on the track he plays, reared up, buck jump,” Halledeen said, chuckling.
Despite the colt’s energetic personality, Halledeen grew accustomed to I Dream Again’s antics.
“I told him, ‘You are a big horse, so you must behave like one’,” Halledeen said, smiling.
Halledeen didn’t forget to express his heartfelt gratitude to his sponsors, acknowledging the crucial support they’ve shown him.
“I have to big up my sponsor Thurston Elite Services. Thurston Elite Services is a luxury concierge company that provides lifestyle management services,” Halledeen ended.
