Derby dreams fulfilled
Halledeen, DaCosta conquer Jamaica Derby with I Dream Again
In a heart-pounding display of racing prowess, jockey Robert Halledeen and trainer Jason DaCosta joined forces to make history in the Jamaica Derby, securing their first derby title with I Dream Again at Caymanas Park on Wednesday. This thrilling victory marked a milestone moment for the dynamic duo, cementing their reputation as a formidable team in the racing world.
Aboard I Dream Again, Halledeen showcased his exceptional skill, navigating the competition with precision and finesse to cross the finish line first. I Dream Again, under strong urgings, rallied in deep stretch to beat Burning Hedge (Dick Cardenas) by a length in the 105th running of the $7.5-million blue ribband event over 12 furlongs (2,400m).
DaCosta expressed his satisfaction with I Dream Again’s performance in the Jamaica Derby.
“I was pretty confident with this horse,” he says. “He is a young horse, he is a June foal and he is improving with every run. He is one of few that have been unblemished trained up to the Classics and so I was quietly confident as he didn’t miss a beat. I am just glad he got the job done.
“There weren’t any emotions in the last two furlongs of the race, it just was war.”
Halledeen’s words convey the high level of focus and adrenaline that defined his ride on I Dream Again.
“In the early part of the race I wasn’t comfortable because he was inside and he was clipping heels and that was very dangerous,” Halledeen says. “I had to wait till it was cleared, took the rails and followed Mr DaCosta’s instructions, and the rest was history.”
The Jamaica Derby win was just one of the highlights for Halledeen on the day. Earlier, he had achieved a monumental milestone, securing his 500th career win aboard H Two in the 2025 Independence Day Stakes Trophy.
The stage was set for Halledeen’s day with a win on Girvano in the $1.25-million Emelio “Bimbo” Rodrequez Trophy earlier. The Halledeen and DaCosta collaboration proved to be a winning formula, as they dominated the racing card and made it a memorable day for the duo.
Racing continues on Saturday.
