KINGSTON, Jamaica – I Dream Again’s Derby winning performance in the 2025 Jamaica Derby, was announced as the People’s Choice Performance of the Year at the 2025 RJRGleaner Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards ceremony, held Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The colt trained by champion Jason DaCosta, was ridden by Robert Halledeen, and is owned by Derrick Smith.
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.
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 & 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
Responding to the award, owner Derrick Smith 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.”
The Quick Galloper offers congratulations to the connections of I Dream Again.
