Prince “Daggerman” Holder, after a year’s absence from the saddle, made his return to competitive horse racing at Caymanas Park on the 11-race Heroes’ Day programme on Monday last.

Holder was aboard the Raymond Townsend-owned and trained Vibes Master in the last event over 1,500 metres. Vibes Master finished down the track.

Holder was one of the batch of apprentice riders who made their debut on September 8, 2012.

He made an instant impact, riding 34 winners in 2013, which allowed him to finish seventh in the jockeys’ championship behind Dane Nelson. Holder was voted as the most improved rider for that season.

Then came 2014 and the young rider experienced a major slump, one which left racegoers wondering what went wrong with the “Daggerman” as he was only able to ride two winners from just under 200 mounts.

Last season, Holder rode one winner and went missing from racing programmes in October.

Commenting on his return on Monday, Holder said: “I’m happy to be back in the saddle in a competitive race and I will make use of the opportunity given to me for this comeback.”