Halledeen and DaCosta win their first Jamaica Derby

Champion trainer Jason DaCosta and jockey Robert "Hard Ball" Halledeen recorded their first ever Jamaica Derby victory courtesy of the 5-2 second choice I Dream Again who staged a terrific late rally to land the 105th running of the blue ribband event at Caymanas Park on Wednesday.

I Dream Again who had won the Jamaica St Leger a month ago, took up the lead 6 furlongs out and then outlasted the 3-2 favourite and 1000 Guineas winner Burning Hedge under Dick Cardenas in a tremendous battle over the last two furlongs of the season's final classic.

The three year old chestnut colt covered the 12 furlong $7.5 million contest in 2 minutes, 40 seconds flat, winning by a length. The victory by I Dream Again saw Halledeen and DaCosta winning the last three races on the 11-race card.

Halledeen had earlier achieved another milestone, recording career win number 500 at Caymanas Park aboard the 1-2 favourite H Two O in the penultimate event over 7 furlongs. Racing continues on Saturday with a 9-race card.