The following report was published on paulickreport.com
Jockey Rajiv Maragh, who ended a nearly three-year absence from riding in October, registered the first win of his comeback Thursday at Gulfstream Park aboard the Ian Parsard’s owned 4-year-old gelding Dundie.
Maragh, 39, had been aboard Collin Maragh-trained Dundie in his previous start when they finished fifth going 1 1/16 miles on the Tapeta course Nov. 8. Thursday, Maragh settled Dundie in third before the son of champion Speightstown emerged from a tight pack late to win Race 3 by three-quarters of a length in 56.67 seconds for 5 ½ furlongs.
“I really liked the horse today,” Maragh said. “I got to know him better last time. I felt like he was going to give a good run today. I really wanted to try to get him to the lead. The pace was fast, or he’d have made the lead. He was in a bit of a hard-pressed position between horses, and we just kept on trying. He showed a lot of resilience and grit to come back and win.”
The same can be said for Maragh, whose last win came aboard Raise the Rent Dec. 23, 2021 at Gulfstream. The Jamaica native rode for the last time Jan. 14, 2022 until launching his comeback Oct. 20 at Gulfstream.
Dundie was the eighth mount since his return for Maragh, who had finished second in two of his previous three races Nov. 28 and 29 at Gulfstream.
“It’s pretty surreal when you think about it, the journey here,” Maragh said. “Three years ago, I stopped riding and tried to step away for a while and get some other things going. I never thought I’d be back riding. Everything just fell into line, and I’m really excited to be back and have an opportunity to ride. These wins are what make all the hard work feel like it’s worth it.”
