Breeders’ Cup-winning jockey Rajiv Maragh, who ended a virtually three-year absence from driving in October, registered the primary win of his comeback Dec. 5 at Gulfstream Park aboard Ian Parsard’s 4-year-old gelding Dundie .
Maragh, 39, had been aboard Collin Maragh-trained Dundie ($16.60) in his earlier begin after they completed fifth going 1 1/16 miles on the Tapeta course Nov. 8. Thursday, Maragh settled Dundie in third earlier than the son of Speightstown emerged from a decent pack late to win the third race by three-quarters of a size in :56.67 for 5 furlongs.
“He confirmed a variety of resilience and grit to return again and win,” Maragh stated.
The identical will be stated for Maragh, whose final win got here aboard Elevate the Hire Dec. 23, 2021, at Gulfstream. The Jamaica native rode for the final time Jan. 14, 2022, till launching his comeback Oct. 20 at Gulfstream.
Dundie was the eighth mount since his return for Maragh, who had completed second in two of his earlier three races Nov. 28 and 29 at Gulfstream.
“It is fairly surreal when you consider it, the journey right here,” Maragh stated. “Three years in the past, I finished driving and tried to step away for some time and get another issues going. I by no means thought I might be again driving. All the pieces simply fell into line, and I am actually excited to be again and have a possibility to trip. These wins are what make all of the arduous work really feel prefer it’s value it.”
This press launch has been edited for content material and magnificence by BloodHorse Employees.