Robert Halledeen is a man on a mission. After a stellar 2024 season, the talented rider has his sights set on even greater heights this year, with the ultimate goal being to clinch the Jockeys' Championship at Caymanas Park.
Currently, tied atop the standings with reigning champion Raddesh Roman at 18 wins apiece, Halledeen knows the road ahead is long, but he is ready for the challenge.
“Last year was a good year in the saddle for me. Stealing two Classic races — the Guineas and the Oaks—along with a few Grade One wins, and topping it off with the Mouttet Mile as the season closed… it felt like everything came together,” Halledeen told SportsMax.Tv as he reflected.
The Mouttet Mile, the richest and most prestigious race on the local calendar, stands out as a career-defining moment for Halledeen. In fact, every mention of the victory aboard Jason DaCosta’s American-bred Funcaandun ignites a spark of pride, especially given the fact that he chased and caught overwhelming favourite Legacy Isle close to the wire.
“That race was legendary. The biggest race I’ve won since becoming a jockey, and I plan to build on that by doing it again and again. I know it is easier said than done, but once I continue to work hard and remain focused, then I will certainly capitalize on the opportunities,” he noted.
While Halledeen’s on-track success remains the highlight of his journey, the bustling rider also scored another significant win off the track as he signed as a brand ambassador for the United States-based Thurston Elite Concierge Services.
He pointed out that the partnership has brought a new level of recognition and support to his career.
“It’s an honour to be part of the Thurston Elite family. They’re an exclusive lifestyle management service, making life easier for their members with things like vacation planning, private air travel, event organization...you name it. They are the best in the concierge business,” Halledeen shared.
“I think I grabbed their attention by being the most talked-about jockey at our track and the one who consistently wins those marquee trophy races. Being their brand ambassador at Caymanas Park means a lot because they believe in me, and I’m very happy to be working with them,” he added.
Still, success in any endeavour is not without its challenges, and Halledeen readily admits that there were moments last season when things did not go as planned, but his mindset is always focused on growth.
“As long as I’m injury-free, I’ll always have a good season. There are days when things don’t go your way, but you learn, move on, and most of all, you stay high in confidence and ready to go again,” he declared.
However, things seem to be falling into place for Halledeen so far this season, and he feels stronger, lighter, and more determined than ever to make 2025 his year.
With the kind of drive Halledeen possesses, combined with the support from Thurston Elite and a hunger for victory, it is hard to bet against him bringing that vision to fruition.
“I’m healthy, and that’s the most important thing,” he said.
“I’m getting lighter at the scales, and my aim is to ride at 117 pounds comfortably. From there, the expectation is simple — win the most races at Caymanas Park and take the championship,” Halledeen ended.