I Dream Again’s thrilling win in the 2025 Jamaica Derby secured the accolade of People’s Choice Performance of the Year at the 2025 RJRGleaner National Sports Awards ceremony, held Saturday, January 17, 2026.

The colt, who is owned by Derrick Smith and trained by champion Jason DaCosta, was ridden to victory in the 12-furlong (2,400m) event by Robert “Hardball” Halledeen.

Halledeen, beaming with pride, said: “Honestly, it’s called the ride of the year. I’ve never seen a jockey get nominated for ride of the year, much less win. It’s a big win, and whosoever watches horse racing would know that day that moment was legendary. Congrats to previous jockeys whose performances on a race day was outstanding but I got this for one race so I’m truly honoured.”

Also responding to the award was Smith, who said he was surprised.

“I was watching the awards’ ceremony but fell asleep. Suddenly, my wife got me up, shouting that
I Dream Again had won the award. I was taken aback, as I was not expecting it, nor did I call in to register a vote. For me, the Derby win by I Dream Again was special, very special.

“Trainer DaCosta got everything right in preparing the horse to give of his best, and jockey Halledeen gave a superb ride. Remember, I Dream Again led for most of the mile-and-a-half trip, then was collared in the final furlong and a half before rallying strong to gain the victory in the prestigious Jamaica Derby,” Smith said.

This year the nominees for the People’s Choice Performance Award were:

Oblique Seville – gold medal, men’s 100m, World Championships, Tokyo

Tina Clayton – silver medal, women’s 100m, World Championships, Tokyo

Orlando Bennett and Tyler Mason – silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the men’s 110m hurdles, World Championships, Tokyo

Women’s 4x100m team – silver medal (Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Jonielle Smith, Tia Clayton, Tina Clayton), World Championships, Tokyo

DuJean “Whisper” Richards – goal vs Bermuda, Reggae Boyz

Renaldo Chephas – goal vs Trinidad & Tobago, Reggae Boyz

I Dream Again – victory in the Jamaica Derby, Halledeen up.

The People’s Choice Performance Award winner is chosen by members of the public who are asked to call in and vote on the performance of their choice in 2025.

VICTORY WHISPERS! Jockey Robert Halledeen shares sweet nothings with his winning horse I Dream Again, celebrating the Jamaica Derby triumph at Caymanas Park on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. At right is groom Michael McLean. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Trainer Jason DaCosta (left) and jockey Robert Halledeen take a moment for themselves in the winners’ enclosure after teaming up with I Dream Again to win the 105th Jamaica Derby Classic at Caymanas Park on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Jockey Robert Halledeen stands tall in the saddle as he crosses the finishing line in first place aboard I Dream Again in the 105th running of the $7.5-million Jamaica Derby Classic at Caymanas Park on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Trainer Jason DaCosta (left) and SVREL’s Chairman Solomon Sharpe watch the replay of the105th Jamaica Derby Classic race which DaCosta’s I Dream Again won on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

I Dream Again (right-Robert Halledeen) rallies to beat Burning Hedge (Dick Cardenas) in the105th Jamaica Derby Classic at Caymanas Park on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)