Breeders' Cup-winning jockey Rajiv Maragh, who ended a nearly three-year absence from riding in October, registered the first 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 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 Speightstown emerged from a tight pack late to win the third race by three-quarters of a length in :56.67 for five furlongs.
"He showed a lot of resilience and grit to come back and win," Maragh said.
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."
