Veteran trainer and owner Stanley ‘Dan Pragg’ Findlay won his first race in nearly a decade when Pearlofmydreams came from off the pace to win Saturday’s second race at Caymanas Park.

Pearlofmydreams, under claiming apprentice Dane Dawkins at odds of 13-1, sat prominently behind the early pace set by All For The Glory (Odeen Edwards) before making her move turning for home.

Dawkins then urged on the four-year-old chestnut filly, who responded well and got the better of All For The Glory by a length in a driving finish. It was the four-year-old’s maiden victory.

It was the 12th time that Findlay was starting a horse for the season, and he said that it was a relief to visit the winners’ enclosure after such a long time.

“It feels good to win a race after such a long time. I really don’t remember when last I won a race but it was a very long time, nearly 10 years,” Findlay told the Complete Racing Guide.

“I have won numerous races, so I wasn’t all that excited when Pearlofmydreams crossed the winning post first, but it was a relief knowing that I am back in the winners’ enclosure as a winner again and I hope that many more winners can come by,” said the man who has captivated many at the Park with his infectious character and wit.

Findlay, who started training horses in the 1950s, said that his long overdue win was capped off by a well-timed ride from young rider Dawkins.

“It was a brilliant ride from the apprentice (Dane Dawkins). He did nothing wrong as he followed my instructions very carefully. Once a jockey can follow instructions, they will turn out to be good jockeys, and young Dawkins is heading in that direction and I am happy for him,” declared Findlay.

Findlay has won over 50 races to date, including Monday Morning in the 1987 2,000 Guineas for owner PTA Syndicate.