It was case of sheer determination by jockey Robert Halledeen on Sunday, July 6, 2025, as he galloped his way into the winner’s circle aboard I Dream Again, capturing the $4.5 million Jamaica St Leger in style. Run over 10 furlongs, the second leg of the prestigious Triple Crown saw I Dream Again clock 2:14.0 with sectional splits of 25.4 x 52.1 x 1:17.0 x 1:44.3 — and a commanding margin of 1 3/4 lengths.
After the race, Halledeen could barely contain his elation. “I feel like a man of the match. It is a fantastic feeling winning a Classic race,” he said, the adrenaline still coursing through him.
This wasn’t just another win; it was a Classic 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,” Halledeen shared.
Known for his tenacity, Halledeen broke down his simple but powerful racing philosophy: “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.”
As race day approached, uncertainty lingered. The question wasn’t desire—it was distance. “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,” Halledeen explained.
And then there was the colt’s mischievous streak—a daily drama in the mornings at the track. “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 recalled with a laugh.
Despite the early morning chaos, their bond grew stronger. “I told him, ‘You are a big horse, so you must behave like one,’” he said, clearly amused.
