APPRENTICE Prince ‘Daggerman’ Holder, who once warmed the hearts of racing fans with his strong riding style and personality, is a winner again.

Holder guided the Winston Morris-trained To The World to victory over 1,200 metres in the sixth race at Caymanas Park on Saturday to notch his first win in nine months, his last coming on May 17, 2014 aboard Clearly Ours over the five straight.

He was one of the batch of apprentice riders who made their debut on September 8, 2012. In 2013, he did well riding 34 winners to finish seventh in the jockeys’ championship and was also voted as the most improved rider for that season.

Then came 2014 and a sudden drop in form which left racegoers wondering what went wrong for the ‘Daggerman’, as he was only able to manage two winners from just under 200 rides.

“It feels good to win my first race this year and one for a good while now. It was coming for a long time now, and I am happy that it finally happened. It feels like a big burden has come off my back. Thanks to the trainer, Winston Morris, and the connections for the ride,” the

24-year-old Holder told the Complete Racing Guide

While Holder is happy with entering the winners’ enclosure again, he knows full well that one winner in nine months is simply not good enough.

“It is not time for celebrating as yet, as it is just the beginning. I know to get back where I was in 2013 is going to take a lot of hard work, dedication, commitment, determination and confidence, and that is what I am focusing on right now,” he said.

“Last year, I hit a brick wall. I have identified some problems and I am working to correct them. I want to get back to my winning ways,” he said. The Maggotty High School graduate emphatically stated that racing is his life and as such he is willing to make the adjustments necessary to ride winners continuously.

“I want to thank all the trainers, fellow jockeys, grooms, fans, and everybody who has supported me, and I will continue to do the hard work in making everyone proud,” he ended.